Diocesan News16 Jun 14

The Provision Of Spiritual And Pastoral Care Following Stillbirth – Church Of Ireland Chaplain Publishes Research

The Church of Ireland Chaplain at Cork University Hospital – Canon Daniel Nuzum – who is currently also working part–time on a PhD in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in University College Cork – recently published some of his research in the respected peer reviewed journal “BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care“. 

The article is entitled ‘The provision of spiritual and pastoral care following stillbirth in Ireland: a mixed methods study’. This article reviewed how pastoral care is provided in most (17/20) maternity units in Ireland and the impact of stillbirth on chaplains. The study revealed that only 60% of chaplains are formally accredited as healthcare chaplains and that for many chaplains the death of a baby was a challenge to the faith and belief of the chaplain. The study recommends ongoing education and support for chaplains in this delicate and specialised area of ministry.

The death of a baby is one of the most challenging experiences for parents and for those who care for them in ministry. Every maternity unit and hospital relies on their chaplains to provide pastoral care for parents in the midst of their grief.
The article can be accessed here.