PASTORAL CARE AND CHAPLAINCY SERVICES.

Pastoral care is not only religious care but on most occasions it is the offer of a compassionate, respectful listening ‘ear’ to any patient. Pastoral care workers are especially aware that patients suffer many different losses. To many patients at some point it may seem like they feel alone or in a dark sad place. It is during these times that the Pastoral Care worker will seek to be a non-anxious presence. If a patient wishes, the pastoral care worker can listen to the patient express their feelings of perhaps anger, sadness, fear, confusion or concerns and the many losses that are behind these emotions. Importantly the result of such an encounter is that the patient has an increased awareness of being understood, valued and feel less alone.

Pastoral care workers are available to all and will tailor their support to suit each individual. Their aim is to provide spiritual and emotional support to every HDHS in-patient, patient’s family member, carer or staff member who may request it.

Pastoral Care is delivered through two basic methods: as a personal offer to each patient or by responding to referrals initiated by patients, carer, family members or staff. According to the wishes of the patient the pastoral care worker will endeavour to facilitate the involvement of any religious representative.