Spiritual care – frequently asked questions

FAQs

  • The hospice must be a miserable place to work?
  • We can now accept small amounts of donations (max. two bags or boxes) at this shop during opening hours, until the space is full. We recommend calling the shop on 01684 294679 before making your donation, to check there is still space to accept items.

    • Please ensure bags and boxes are of a manageable size, and weigh no more than 8kg.
    • To avoid damage, please make sure fragile items are wrapped and not loose.
    • If you gift aid goods, please get labels from the shop and attach to your donations.

    Alternatively, you can take good quality, re-saleable items to one of our other stores. Times, days and donation amounts vary depending on the size of the shop and number of volunteers available. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and generosity.

    The quality of our care depends on the quality of your donations. For advice on what we can and can’t accept, see our Quality Donation Guide.

    Thank you for your generosity and support of our care hospice.

  • What happens when we die?
  • If you wish to donate an item of furniture, please register it for collection online and do not take it to a shop. Thank you.

  • What is the difference between ‘spiritual’ and ‘religious’?
  • To be spiritual is part of the raw stuff of being human. It is that element in being human that asks questions about the meaning and purpose of being alive. This is common to all human beings whether or not they are religious. Many people express their spirituality through a religion; many don’t. We know from experience that spiritual care is a crucial part of hospice care. The hospice chaplaincy is charged first and foremost with providing ‘spiritual care’ and, only when appropriate, ‘religious care’.

  • What about ‘Last Words’?
  • Patients can be visited each day between 12pm and 8pm.

    When a person is approaching the very end of their life, we will talk with their family and loved ones about how we can support more relaxed visiting times.

    Click to read the full details for visiting a loved one on our In-patient Unit.