Work of Hospital Chaplains celebrated

16/09/2011 | Chaplains

Spirituality is one of the essential building blocks necessary for human wellbeing. Hospital chaplains work within this understanding, offering spiritual support for the whole hospital community, patients, relatives and staff.

Rev Helen Milne, the Co-ordinating Ecumenical Chaplain says: “We are here to be part of the healthcare team, as are doctors, nurses and allied health workers.”

Chaplaincy work is celebrated nationally during Hospital Chaplaincy Week from 18-25 September. This year the theme is: ‘Comfort in Crisis’, acknowledging the support offered across communities after the Christchurch earthquakes and the Pike River disaster.

Catholic Chaplain Judy Nixon says “You don’t have to be religious, a church-goer or dying to be seen by the chaplains. We specialise in meeting people where they’re at, helping them deal with life issues that are a result of being in hospital or part of their normal life.”

Although a lot of people think chaplains are here to talk about religion, for most people they speak to, it is never an obvious part of the conversation. Rev Sande Ramage says “Instead, the focus is on helping people develop wholeness, the result of the interaction between our spiritual, mental, social and physical elements.”
The chaplains offer:

Support and encouragement for patients, families and staff
A non-judgemental and confidential listening ear
Time to just ‘be’
Prayer and church sacraments
Blessings for all of life’s important moments.

Chaplains are available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm. After hours for emergencies only.

All the chaplains are available to talk to individuals and groups about the work they do and how they can support you.