As our Spiritual Care Coordinator for over 8 years, Pauline Hayes-Windle has worked with countless patients and their families to guide them in finding spiritual peace and quiet during what is some of the most difficult times of their lives.
“I never know what to expect when liaising with colleagues, but it is an important part of my ministry.” Says Pauline, “My role can vary between praying, reading, talking, listening, or just being silent and sharing tears. It enables me to walk alongside patients and their loved ones on their spiritual journey, exploring big questions about meaning, purpose and hope. The patient can feel safe, allowing the deepest feelings and fears to be spoken just by simply being there.”
Being able to bring comfort and moments of peace to patients and their families is something that Pauline is very passionate about, and something that she believes is incredibly important when delivering care to people.
“The prayers and reflection book contains various prayers relevant to the patient’s needs on their spiritual journey. If someone is suffering from anxiety, I know I can quickly find a suitable prayer. However, when appropriate I can simply adapt with my own personal prayer.” She says. “The book is a resource that is suitable for all faiths, whether you have one or not.”
Pauline regularly tends to The Sanctuary room in our Inpatient Unit to ensure that it is a tidy, comforting and peaceful place for our patients and their loved ones to visit in moments of sadness, stress and grief.
“I like to keep The Sanctuary tidy and uncluttered. A bright, serene space is important because it gives the patients or visitors a place to feel an atmosphere of peace when they could be struggling. We encourage people to pray and light a candle to represent their journey.”
Pauline also sorts and takes stock of inventory that comes in handy for patients and their loved ones during their time at our IPU.
She said “A local knitting group very kindly supplies us with ‘twiddle muffs’ which keep our patients’ hand busy in times of worry. They’re knitted beautifully in soft wool with various textures of ribbons, beads and fabrics. These are an added therapy for our dementia patients, helping them to keep calm and warm.”
Pauline ensures that spiritual items are within reach at all times for religious patients and their loved ones.
“The mala (meaning ‘garland’) consists of 108 prayer beads, and they are commonly used in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for repeating a mantra or other sacred sounds. It is a way to meditate keep count and maintain focus.”
“We also have wooden holding crosses and hearts and rosary beads which help Christians pray, meditate and connect to God. The wooden hearts can be a significant sign of love between families and their loved ones when death is near. The finger labyrinth consists of a single, winding path that leads to a central point and back out again. It can symbolize a journey of self-discovery or spiritual enlightenment.” Pauline explains.
Looking back on her day, Pauline says: “It’s important to be there and offer friendship, easing their loneliness and isolation. Help them find sense in the meaning and purpose of life by just being there and providing a listening ear.”
“I hope to bring a calming presence and help make sense and help to find meaning when people may feel disconnected from life. I try to become a friend, listen to their life stories and restore dignity.”
