Many patients still find “solace and support” in religious iconography in Irish hospitals, according to a County Kerry chaplain.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, University Hospital Kerry Chaplain Dr Margaret Naughton said people “of all faiths and none” find comfort in religious iconography.
She said hospitals should be working to find a “happy medium” so that there are spaces for patients who want to see the iconography and spaces for those that don’t.
“I have about 12 years’ experience pastorally working with people of all faiths and none and it is still very clear from pastoral practice that people still find some type of solace and support from religious iconographies,” she said.
She said the images offer people “comfort and solace during a particularly vulnerable time in their lives”.
“I suppose it is about trying to find a happy medium,” she said. “Finding maybe spaces where crucifixes and religious iconography are very visible for the patients that need that particular support but also maybe finding a space in our healthcare facilities that speak to the needs of those who don’t need the iconography.”
Reflection
Dr Naughton said some hospitals have prayer rooms or multi-faith rooms – and said the introduction of non-religious reflection rooms could be beneficial to people who are atheist, agnostic or secular.
“They may also need somewhere they can go and reflect during their illness and their time of questioning,” she said.
“I think, no matter what your tradition is, the reality is that when you are sick or vulnerable or in hospital or going through a life-changing situation we all need a space where we can sit, reflect, process, think.
“It is about trying to find a space or a place in our facilities that is respectful to all.”
Frustrating
She said the ongoing backlash against religious involvement in healthcare can be frustrating for people working on the ground.
“The reality is that, even if people are not particularly religious, they may still share and spend time with their chaplain and still need something of our service,” she said.
“I think sometimes we miss the gold that is out there in terms of hearing what the patient wants and needs and also from ourselves and practitioners on the ground – what we are hearing.
“Often our voice is silenced and we are able to offer a real, genuine, tangible insight into working with people on the ground – their needs and their understanding of some of these issues too and how they feel.
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