Open Lecture – Ethics, Spirituality and Care: exploring a difficult but potentially fruitful relationship
Presenter: The Right Reverend Christopher Herbert, Board Member, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Healthcare is constantly changing and, as a result, the ethical challenges we face need to be continuously addressed.
This lecture, by one of the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability Trustees, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Herbert, Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at the University of Surrey, explored some of those challenges. It also explored another dimension in the ethical/medical/nursing debate. Does “Spirituality” have anything to contribute to the discussion, or is “Spirituality” just a fluffy, feel-good form of self-indulgence?
The lecture argued for proper consideration to be given to “spirituality” when assessing the needs of staff and patients. But also asked how this can be done with integrity and honesty in a multi-cultural, multi-faith society.