A new report has found that non-religious patients and those from minority faith groups are more likely to miss out on pastoral and chaplaincy care in NHS acute trusts in England, with 94% of total visits in 2018-19 being provided to Christians, in spite of only 38% of British adults identifying as such.

Humanists UK has welcomed the report which warns of high levels of health inequalities in pastoral, spiritual, and religious (PSR) care services. It has been released by the Network for Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care in Health (NPSRCH), the umbrella body made up of representatives from the major religious and non-religious groups working in NHS chaplaincy and pastoral support services.

Chaplains and pastoral carers are highly trained individuals who provide care that offers understanding and empathy to people at some of the most challenging times of their lives. They are responsible for providing the ‘spiritual’ aspect of the holistic model of healthcare recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The report found there are huge disparities between Christians and non-Christians in the provision of PSR care services in NHS acute trusts in England because of the traditional and entrenched nature of how chaplaincy services are run in England. In 2018-19, 94% of chaplaincy hours were provided by Christian chaplains, and lead chaplains who are Christian represent an even higher proportion. This is despite NHS services being required to provide equal care inclusive to all faiths and beliefs.

Workforce and unlawful employment practices are also raised in the findings. The vast majority of paid positions, when advertised, are restricted to individuals who are Church of England or Free Church members, which is likely to be unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

Highlighting why equality issues have not been properly considered, the report pointed to a lack of oversight by NHS trusts, poor recruitment practices, a lack of representation in PSR services, and concerns around the way in which inclusion is assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Humanists UK campaigns for equal access to pastoral care in prisons, hospitals, and the armed forces across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Currently, almost 20% of prisons and 45% of hospitals in England and Wales have a non-religious pastoral carer in their team, including some paid posts, such as Lindsay van Dijk, who last year was appointed the first humanist to lead an NHS Trust’s chaplaincy/pastoral care team. But demand in both settings is much higher.

Welcoming the report, Humanists UK Head of Humanist Care, Simon O’Donoghue, who is also NPSRCH Chair and lead author of the report commented:

‘This report pulls together what we have known for some time: that there are huge disparities in the way chaplaincy and pastoral care is delivered in England, with non-religious patients and those from minority faith groups more likely to miss out on care compared to Christian patients. ‘Pastoral, spiritual, and religious care is becoming more widely recognised as being associated with better health outcomes which means we need to ensure that everyone is able to access this same important care on an equal basis. We hope that the NHS, Government, and pastoral care teams across England will consider these recommendations and ensure that we have a system that delivers a chaplaincy and pastoral care service that is inclusive and fit for the 21st century.’

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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Press Manager Casey-Ann Seaniger at casey@humanism.org.uk or phone 020 7324 3078 or 07393 344293.

Read the full report.

Read more on our work campaigning for equal provision of chaplaincy and pastoral care work.

Read more Humanist Care’s pastoral work.

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 85,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.