The requirement of healthcare professionals to consider the whole person, including spirituality, is hampered by a lack of clarity about the nature of spirituality and spiritual care. A multidisciplinary cooperative inquiry group met during 1997 and 1998 to explore this issue. The aim of the group was to 'explore spirituality with a view to how that informs our work'. Group members understood spirituality to be a unique potential that forms an integral part of every human being. Key themes through which spirituality may be expressed are the search for meaning or purpose and a sense of connection. Outcomes of the inquiry included personal and professional development, increased recognition of spirituality and further training opportunities for other staff.