Chaplain is there to offer spiritual help
The Oban Times is running a series of articles championing the work carried out by Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles locality.
Each article features a specific service provided by the HSCP and focuses on the staff who provide that service and the role they play in making a positive difference for the people living in Oban and surrounding areas.
This week we look at the work of chaplain Robert MacLeod. Robert MacLeod is one of Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) chaplains covering Oban and its surrounding areas.
The role of the chaplain is providing a reassuring service for people in need of spiritual and pastoral support, which includes HSCP staff.
Robert has 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry. He has completed graduate studies in Healthcare Chaplaincy and has 20 years’ dedicated service with the NHS.
Robert said: ‘The HSCP realises that the healthcare challenges faced by the people it cares for may raise their need for spiritual or religious care and is committed to addressing these needs. The demand for the chaplaincy service has grown and is now being delivered to the wider community and local community groups.
‘My daily workload is really well-structured and I prioritise and assess my caseloads as this is required to increase my productivity.
‘At times it can be challenging due to the rurality of the areas. Working parttime flexible hours means time management skills are necessary to help meet the demands for the service.’
On occasions, the chaplain has to make judgement calls with regards to referrals for the service. It can be challenging for Robert responding urgently to all service user demands.
Among the basic spiritual needs that might be addressed within the daily activity of health and social care are:
❚ the need to be understood,
❚ the need to be valued as a human being,
❚ the need for forgiveness, hope and trust,
❚ the need to explore beliefs and values,
❚ the need to express feelings honestly,
❚ the need to find meaning and purpose in life.
Robert said: ‘The hospital is one of the few places where people of all faiths and none come together. People often think of “the hospital chaplain” as a person in clerical dress.
‘I would like to challenge that stereotype to let people know that the chaplain service is available to patients, carers, communities and staff whether religious or not.’
Robert participated in research with Emotional Touchpoints (ETs). ETs are a means of helping people to share their story, and the aspects of experiences that are important to them. They help identify things that worked well for them and those that caused concern.
The touchpoints help the storyteller to share and recall their experience of being touched emotionally (feelings) or cognitively (deep and lasting memories). These can be the ‘big moments’ people return to when retelling their stories, or the ‘hidden small acts’ that have a huge impact despite seeming to pass unnoticed. The research programme raised awareness of the diverse needs of people living in rural communities, and in particular the harmful effects on young and older people’s health and wellbeing when subjected to loneliness and isolation.
The research also highlighted the need for the chaplaincy service developing and networking with other local services such as North Argyll Carers Centre and the Dove Centre in Oban.
Robert added: ‘I also support people who may have complex emotional needs. It is really important to ensure that people know about the chaplaincy service and are given the opportunity to be supported, signposted or referred to suitable health and social care services including local partner agencies.
‘Evaluating spiritual care can be problematic but often an acknowledgement from a patient, a smile, handshake or seeing people who have struggled for whatever reason move on following input from the Chaplaincy service is always very rewarding.
‘I have come to regard my years within healthcare as some of my most fulfilling, privileged and rewarding years of service.’
Chaplains are available to offer confidential non-judgemental support. Please contact the chaplain if you wish support or to know more about what the chaplaincy service can offer. Email robert.macleod2@nhs.net.