13 March 2002

Spirituality Important In Patient Recovery

So the cost of hospital chaplains is too much for the Government to bear, even although its share has fallen to a mere 35%, with hospitals and churches making up the difference. Health Minister, Annette King, has refused more funding for this important service, saying it is not a priority.

At a time when society is suffering from stress-related problems as never before, when many are lonely and friendless, the service hospital chaplains provide is more necessary than ever, not only for patients, but for staff. A friendly, listening ear or a comforting word can be of inestimable value to the worried, the fearful, and those in pain.

Despite the fact that Helen Clark believes New Zealand is a more secular society and grace before meals is irrelevant, a faith in the Almighty has a significant effect on people, especially when they are sick. The inner peace that Christian faith imparts enables the body to respond more readily to treatment. Research has also shown that patients who are prayed for recover more quickly and fully than those who are not. It has even been known for very sick patients to recover completely after prayer, much to the amazement of their doctors.

Christian Heritage believes that spirituality is very important; people are more than bodies and minds, they have spirits too. Along with doctors and nurses, hospital chaplains play a vital role in treating the whole person, not just the disease. A responsible Government that has the real interests of the people at heart would not hold back funds for this important service.
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