PRESS RELEASE: A Crucial Moment for Australian Healthcare: The Drive for Nationwide Consistency in Spiritual Care

MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release Tuesday 14th November 2023

A Crucial Moment for Australian Healthcare: The Drive for Nationwide Consistency in Spiritual Care

Introduction: Spiritual Health Association (SHA) calls for national attention to address the growing concern of inconsistent and unsustainable spiritual care across Australia. This call comes in light of recent developments in Victoria, which reflect a wider national trend affecting the provision of spiritual care.

Background: Recent funding cuts in Victoria signify a deeper, nationwide issue, as detailed in an Open Letter to the Hon. Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria. https://www.spiritualhealth.org.au/Advocacy/Open%20letter%20to%20the%20Premier%20of%20Victoria_November%202023.pdf
These cuts compromise the quality and safety of spiritual care in healthcare, highlighting a fragmentation in how spiritual care is provided across different states and territories.

The National Model for Spiritual Care: SHA is at the forefront of championing the National Model for Spiritual Care in Health. https://www.spiritualhealth.org.au/National%20Model%20for%20Spiritual%20Care%20in%20Health%20-%202023.pdf
Currently piloted in 11 healthcare services, this model seeks to integrate spiritual care throughout the Australian healthcare sector in line with the principles of the World Health Organization. The goal is to establish a standard of care that is inclusive of all beliefs and worldviews, ensuring every Australian has access to high-quality and safe spiritual care.

Urgency and Federal Involvement: The need for a national, quality-assured approach to spiritual care has never been more pressing. SHA believes that federal involvement and support are key to implementing this transformative change across the country.

Call to Action:
To Federal Government and Healthcare Policy Makers:
• Recognise the need for a national model in spiritual care.
• Engage in dialogue with SHA to explore implementation strategies.

To the Healthcare Community and Professionals:
• Advocate for the integration of the National Model in your services.
• Embrace the holistic approach to healthcare that includes spiritual well-being.

To the Australian Public:
• Support the movement towards a standardised approach to spiritual care.
• Understand the importance of spiritual care as part of overall health and well-being.

Conclusion: SHA is dedicated to leading this critical change in Australian healthcare. We invite stakeholders at all levels – from federal policymakers to healthcare providers and the public – to join us in this endeavour. Together, we can ensure that the spiritual care needs of all Australians are met with the consistency of quality and safety they deserve.
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Spiritual Health Association is the peak body for spiritual care in the health sector. For all media enquiries, contact Alicia Stafford: [email protected] / 0416 887 254