On Admission

Until recently many Pagans felt unable to be open about their religion because of the misunderstandings that could arise. Some nurses and doctors thought ‘Pagan’ meant ‘No religion’. Some became inappropriately curious. However, more Pagans are now happy to be open about their beliefs and more healthcare professionals are aware of Paganism as a distinct religion, not least because many healthcare professionals are also Pagan.

If your patient answers ‘Pagan’ when you ask what their religion is you may need to determine what they mean. You could ask, “Does that mean that you believe that the earth is sacred?” This will impress and reassure the genuine Pagan patient and will not offend someone who is not using the world incorrectly.

A growing number of Trusts have a Pagan chaplain working as part of the chaplaincy team but a number still don’t. Individual Pagans may give you the name and phone number of their Spiritual Adviser, someone intimate with their particular beliefs and practices who will support them while they’re with you, rather like a good parish priest. Please think about allowing Spiritual Advisors into the ward outside of visiting hours, just as you would a rabbi or priest, and feel free to approach them if you need advice on caring about Pagans.