15 A loss of faith
Resolution submitted by the RCN East Dorset Branch
That this meeting of RCN Congress condemns the drastic cuts to hospital chaplaincy services by NHS trusts
Work led by the RCN Public Policy Committee.
At Congress 2008, members voted strongly in favour of agreement to condemn cuts in hospital chaplaincy services. In driving this resolution forward, the RCN has reviewed current research provided by the faith-based think tank Theos, and since May 2008 has been monitoring the activities of the All Parliamentary Group for Hospital Chaplaincy. The RCN Parliamentary Group is currently preparing to report and publish its findings.
There is a mixed picture across the UK with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland reporting no significant changes in service provision. However, across England provision is patchier.
In January 2009 the RCN reviewed guidance produced by the Department of Health entitled Religion or belief: a practical guide for the NHS. Contact has also been initiated with the College of Health Care Chaplains, as well as the Multi-Faith Group for Health Care Chaplaincy (MFHCC).
In the next financial year, the RCN understands that this issue is moving within the sphere of control of the Department of Health's Equality and Human Rights Group. The RCN will seek an early meeting with this group to take the issue forward.
The RCN will also be preparing its single equality scheme, which will contain a defined element on religion, faith and belief.