Hospice chaplains have traditionally played a unique part in palliative care, providing human compassion and support to help ease life's final chapter. This book thoughtfully tackles the question at the heart of modern hospice chaplaincy: do chaplains have a distinctive role in an increasingly secular society?

A comprehensive look at why and how this work needs to be done, each chapter will be a rich resource for hospice chaplains and anyone working within a hospice multi-disciplinary team. Taking the form of reflections by chaplains and other professionals, they examine the tension between sacred and secular space, explore how spiritual care works in a changing society, and look at what voice a chaplain has within the hospice team.

Essential reading for chaplains, this insightful book reflects on the important work undertaken by hospice chaplaincies and explains why they continue to be a vital resource for end-of-life care.

A thoughtful examination of the roles played by chaplaincy and spiritual care in hospices

About the Author
Karen Murphy has worked in hospice chaplaincy for twenty years and has represented chaplaincy at national and international level. She is President of the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains (AHPCC). Bob Whorton is Chaplain at Sir Michael Sobell House and the author of Reflective Caring (SPCK, 2011) and Voices from the Hospice (SCM, 2015).

Reviews
This book explores the chaplain's unique role and the privilege of being involved in the lives of those who approach death. Varied contributors helpfully probe the inner life of the chaplain and her relationships with staff and volunteers. It explores the changing role of the hospice chaplain, but has great relevance for all involved in End of Life care. I wholeheartedly commend it to all who have an interest in healthcare chaplaincy. -- Revd Mark Burleigh, Head of Chaplaincy & Bereavement Services, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and President, College of Health Care Chaplains
Challenged by the exigencies of health economies and the demands of secularists, chaplaincy is in transition. The diverse voices brought together by Murphy and Whorton speak to that transition with harmony and clarity about the 'traditional' values that shape chaplaincy identity and care, and that determine the distinctive contribution chaplains make to multi-professional team working. -- Revd Dr Steve Nolan, Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, and The University of Winchester
Fifty years after Dame Cicely Saunders founded the first modern hospice in 1967, this book is a timely and fitting tribute to her legacy. It consists of a series of reflections by chaplains and allied professionals, and is packed with inspiration, experience, and good practice. -- Revd Ann Fulton, Spiritual Care Co-ordinator for St Margaret's Hospice, Somerset * Church Times *
Anyone who is involved in hospice work, or anyone working with people who are ill and lost, will find much in this book which is of value. -- The Revd John Lampard * Methodist Recorder *



Book Information
ISBN 9781785920684
Author Karen Murphy
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 317g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 16mm