Values

1. We honour the remarkably integrated, multifaceted composition of human beings and the uniqueness of each person.
2. We recognise that each human being is of intrinsic value and of immeasurable worth.
3. We believe that human beings flourish most in the context of unconditional acceptance, forgiveness and compassion.
4. We consider that health and wellbeing is diminished where there is no integrated bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach which recognises spiritual or existential needs alongside other aspects of health.
5. We adhere to the view that in every human being there is a spiritual dimension with spiritual needs –  the universal search for meaning, purpose, hope, belonging and identity –  and find the following description, which is used within the NHS to be helpful:
   • ‘In every human being there seems to be a spiritual dimension, a quality that goes beyond religious affiliation, that strives for inspiration, reverence, awe, meaning, and purpose even in those who do not believe in God. The spiritual dimension tries to be in harmony with the universe, strives for answers about the infinite, and comes essentially into focus in times of emotional stress, physical illness, loss, bereavement, and death.’^[i]
6. We consider that spiritual care involves helping people to recognise, explore and address their spiritual wellbeing including their spiritual resources and needs. This is an important but often absent aspect of whole person, patient-centred care.
7. We concur with the NICE guidance description regarding spiritual and existential support:
   • ‘Key issues in delivering effective spiritual and existential support to people experiencing illness or treatment  …  are:
     • listening to the patient’s experience and the questions that may arise
     • affirming the patient’s humanity
     • protecting the patient’s dignity, self-worth and identity
     • ensuring that spiritual care is offered as an integral part of an holistic approach to health, encompassing psychological, spiritual, social and emotional care, and within the framework of the patient’s beliefs or philosophy of life.’^[i]
8. We are aligned with an NHS description of spiritual care:
   • ‘Spiritual care recognises and responds to the deepest needs of the human spirit, particularly when facing trauma, loss, sickness or sadness. It includes the need for meaning, value, and self-expression and is expressed through compassionate, relational trust, moving in a patient-centred direction.’^[i]
9. We recognise that for some clients effective spiritual and existential support may involve clients receiving prayer or other religious practices which can be a relevant intervention in caring for the whole person.
10. We recognise the importance of staff wellbeing and of compassionate workplaces in order that staff can flourish and offer excellent patient care.
11. We believe in the importance of facilitating personal development to empower staff to grow in self-awareness, compassion, value-based work and appropriate self-care.
12. Our values derive from a belief that there is a divine design inherent in human life. Our understanding of this design arises from the ancient perennial wisdom found in many faith traditions. WholeCare directors have a variety of personal beliefs but they all respect this understanding.