Pastoral & Spritual Care at the RCH
Bringing a child to hospital, whether it be for tests or major treatment, can be a stressful and often lonely experience. Facing bad news regarding a diagnosis, making painful decisions about care, dealing with traumatic events, facing stress in the family system, and grieving are times when it is especially appropriate to refer to an RCH Chaplain.
Chaplains are available to support patients, families, and staff.
Spiritual support is likely to be of benefit whether or not a family is “religious” or if they belong to a church, mosque, or religious tradition.
Chaplains support patients and family by:
- providing respectful and non-judgemental listening
- helping them sort through feelings and options
- journeying with them during times of stress, loss, and grief
- suggesting spiritual resources consistent with their beliefs and values
Who are we?
Professional Chaplains at RCH are trained, certified, and authorised for interfaith service. We work as members of the multi-disciplinary team addressing the needs of patients and families.
We offer respectful spiritual care service that honours the dignity and value of each person. We do not seek to “convert” or change those we serve.
- Chaplains serve patients and families from all faith traditions, as well as those who are skeptical, searching, or just want to talk.
- Chaplains help patients and families draw on their own religious/spiritual strengths as they face the issues raised by a child's illness. They support in difficult times and listen if patients and families need a willing ear.
- Chaplains help patients and families meet religious and spiritual needs for prayer or ritual, such as a Qur'an, a prayer book, Sabbath candles, a blessing before surgery, or a visit from a religious leader from a specific faith tradition.
- Chaplains help families in crisis situations by counselling, problem-solving and identifying options when it seems like none exist.
- The chapel is a place for prayer and meditation for people of all faiths. Located near the hospital cafeteria, it is open 24 hours a day.
- Our chaplains serve patients and families of many different religious backgrounds. If you wish to connect with your own faith group during your hospital stay, please ring us through the Switchboard.
