Health care chaplaincy is currently undergoing a rapid transformation. An inherited and accepted service, embedded in the National Health Service since its inception, it is inevitably caught up in the changes that affect both the service as a whole and the wider social context. This invaluable book will stand the test of time. Health care professionals will find it a constant point of reference as they wrestle with the issues both locally and nationally. Many others will find this book a way of being informed about a key area of health care. Most importantly, there is a challenge here to the churches to take chaplaincy seriously as the frontier ministry it is. For practical theologians this is a welcome and accessible study of a vital sector of ministry, useful for reflection and teaching. Paul Ballard, Cardiff University, UK ’Spiritual care on the NHS has been in the news a great deal in recent times, from the forced demise of the chaplaincy team at Worcester to the more recent calls from the Secular Society to cease NHS funding for chaplains. In addition, those of us serving in this capacity are working through important issues related to whether we are primarily authorised and commissioned to our 'faith communities', or a new and distinct profession in health care. In this book, Chris Swift, an experienced head of chaplaincy services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, seeks to respond to these challenges and dilemmas, and sets forth some interesting ideas of how NHS chaplaincy might move forward with integrity and a growing confidence. ... I recommend this book warmly. May it be used to encourage and inspire those of us serving in the marginal space that is health-care chaplaincy, and to challenge our faith communities to understand and appreciate better our work, and learn lessons for its ministry and mission in Britain today.’ Church Times ’Hospital Chaplains may be 'at the forefront of the mission of the church', says the Archbishop of Canterbury, but acco