A new book exploring spirituality in hospice care, featuring chapters written by a number of Mountbatten experts, has been launched during a study day on the subject.
Called ‘Spirituality in Hospice Care’, and edited by the CEO of Mountbatten, Nigel Hartley, and Andrew Goodhead, Spiritual Care Lead at St Christopher’s, the book was launched at the event which attracted around 60 people to the John Cheverton Centre.
Staff, volunteers, people supported by Mountbatten and other members of the community joined together, with speakers including the 2 editors and Dr Ros Taylor, an end of life care consultant and known expert in her field.
Launching the event, Nigel Hartley spoke movingly of patients whom he had accompanied in his work as a music therapist 25 years ago. He played recordings of the songs that they had created together. Nigel’s work as a therapist gave a voice to people who were dying, many of whom had been unable to express themselves verbally before.
Andrew Goodhead, co-editor of the book, went on to remind us how important it is to get oneself out of the way in order to listen attentively to another person. Ros Taylor spoke of the importance of establishing a rapport with patients, and suggested looking at the books they bring with them to read in the hospice as a starting point. Both she and Andrew shared experiences of being with patients; a patient who became animated when Ros engaged in looking at his stamp collection; how Andrew’s perception of a dying patient was changed by the daughter showing him a photo album of her father’s life.
2 people being supported by Mountbatten told the stories of their lives, how they are facing their mortality and how Mountbatten is helping them to do this. 1 shared how she had gained in confidence by using day services, and demonstrated some of the new skills in craft making she had learned. The other talked of her passions in life.
During the day a number of workshops exploring spirituality were held. Liz Arnold, Mountbatten’s Director of Nursing, who has also written a chapter in the book, presented a moving Powerpoint collage of the things that mattered to her; the ordinary things of life where she finds meaning.
Marion Tasker, Mountbatten Art Therapist, introduced people to the idea of labyrinths, and in the workshop a group created a wonderful display of pebbles and driftwood marking out the meditative path. Participants had the opportunity to walk the labyrinth throughout the day.
Fraser Simpson, Mountbattn Music Therapist, led an experiential session in playing music spontaneously and collectively. Rosie Deedes, Mountbatten Spiritual Care Lead, led a mindful meditation. People were also welcome to use the art room to explore in a communal creation what spirituality meant to them.
Spirituality in Hospice Care, edited by Nigel Hartley and Andrew Goodhead, is available to buy on Amazon and is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
