In search of a good death: Spiritual care is important for a good death

EDITOR—The 12 principles of a good death were built on in the article by Ellershaw and Ward.1 I am a hospital chaplain, and religious and spiritual care therefore has a particular resonance.

Although religion and spirituality are important for all patients, they can take on extra importance as death approaches, allowing members of the team to broach topics that are often considered taboo. Would patients like particular preparations to be made for their death, perhaps to make peace with their family or Maker? Would they like to discuss funeral arrangements? Do they have any dying wish that it is possible to fulfil?

These are delicate issues, and it is encouraging to believe that a time is coming when we diagnose a patient as dying in a hospital as readily as we do in a hospice. Pastoral doors can be opened and bridges built between the team, the family, and the patient.