Pomoc duchowo-religijna w placówkach opieki zdrowotnej
Spiritual and Religious Assistance in Health Care Institutions

Summary/Abstract: The article takes into account the historical context of medical care and treatment institutions, ecclesial and state codifications regarding spiritual and religious ministry in health care institutions, forms of assistance in this area and the opinions of patients in care and treatment facilities regarding spiritual and religious assistance. Progressive specialization in social life and the multitude of roles and meanings in the system of social references forces the revision of the current models of these forms of assistance. As a result, surveys have shown that their adequacy depends to a great extent on the support entity. The chaplain’s spiritual and religious help is addressed to every person regardless of their accepted system of religious values, views towards Christianity, attitude towards the Church, or nominal or selective Catholicism. We should think about other possibilities to expand the ministry of spiritual support. Patients suggest nuns, members of religious movements, lay Eucharist ministers and people who have suffered the loss of loved ones. Most likely, each of these groups, after proper preparation, can undertake a number of duties leading to a fuller spiritual care ministry among the sick.

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