Bringing a child to hospital, whether it be for tests or major treatment, can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Chaplains are available to support you during this time. Spiritual support is likely to be of benefit whether or not you are religious or if you belong to a church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other practice. 

Chaplains can assist by:

• Providing respectful and non-judgemental listening
• Helping you consider and sort through feelings and options
• Journeying with you during times of stress, loss and grief
• Suggesting spiritual resources consistent with your beliefs and values
• Facilitating the meeting of religious and\or spiritual needs of patients and families
• Care of the "spirit" of the person, encouraging a holistic approach to care

Who are we?

Professional Chaplains at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) are trained to offer person centred, inclusive service.  We work as members of the multi-disciplinary team addressing the needs of patients and families. We offer a respectful spiritual care service that honours the dignity and value of each person. 

• Chaplains serve patients and families from all faith traditions, as well as those who are skeptical, searching, or just wish to talk.
• Chaplains assist patients and families draw on their own religious/spiritual strengths as they face the issues raised by a child's illness. They offer support in difficult times and listen if patients and families require.
• Chaplains assist patients and families meet religious and spiritual needs.  This may include ritual, prayer, access to sacred texts such as the Qur'an, Bible, prayer books, 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 prayer and meditation space is a place for prayer and meditation for people of all faiths and none.  It is located on the ground floor in the North Building near the Family Resource Centre. If you require access after 10pm please ask a nurse to arrange for security to escort you.
• 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 contact the coordinator of Pastoral and Spiritual Care pager 6094, via Switchboard or ask a staff member to make a referral to Pastoral and Spiritual Care.