Multi-faith cabinets help patients access spiritual support in hospital

Patients, visitors and staff at Warrington and Halton Hospitals can access spiritual resources when they need them, thanks to multi-faith cabinets funded by Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity.

The bespoke oak cabinets are located in the Chapel and Prayer Rooms at both hospital sites. Each drawer is marked with a faith symbol and contains resources such as holy texts, prayer cards and information about different faith traditions.

Having these resources readily available means people can find comfort, pray or take a moment to reflect during their time in hospital, including when a chaplain is not immediately available.

Rev. Johnmark Horton, chaplain at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Being in hospital can be a difficult time for patients and their families, and spiritual care can be an important part of helping people feel supported.

“The cabinets give people access to resources that reflect their faith or beliefs, whenever they feel they need them. They also help us recognise and respect the different beliefs and traditions within our hospital community.

“We're grateful to WHH Charity for funding the cabinets and helping us make spiritual support more accessible to the people in our care.”

The cabinets were made by the Benchmark team at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, whose creative, skills-based work supports people living with mental health conditions.

The project is one example of how charitable funding helps enhance the hospital environment and support the individual needs of patients, visitors and staff.