Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is expressed in many different ways but at its centre is the importance of ‘being there for others’ with a concern for each person’s whole well-being.

It may include, but is not limited to, spiritual and religious care, and it seeks to help people deal with such issues as:

  • relationships and belonging
  • faith and doubt
  • change, loss and grief
  • self-worth and meaning in life

Chaplaincy

As well as including all of the above aspects of pastoral care, chaplaincy also expresses care on behalf of each faith tradition or denomination.

Being in hospital can be a time when the familiarity and support of one’s own particular denomination or religion may be of extra importance. Prayer, Scriptures, and Sacraments can be sources of very great strength and comfort.

Visiting & On-Call Chaplains

Anglican Baptist
Buddhist Catholic
Christian Science Churches of Christ
Hindu Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jewish Liberal Jewish Orthodox
Lutheran Muslim
Orthodox Churches:  
Antiochian, Coptic (Egyptian), Greek, Macedonian, Russian, Serbian, Ukranian
Pentecostal Presbyterian
Salvation Army Seventh Day Adventist
Sikh Spiritualist
Uniting  

Caring together

All major Religions and Christian Denominations are represented on the chaplaincy team. They are also available on call. Where possible, people are encouraged to maintain links with their own congregations. The Chaplaincy department can help in this process.

Chaplains work mostly with people of their own faith tradition throughout the hospital. Pastoral Care Workers are attached to specific wards or units and are available to provide support to anyone in the ward, regardless of beliefs or affiliations. Some people feel more comfortable speaking with a Pastoral Care Worker than a Chaplain.

Chaplains and Pastoral Care staff work together with other hospital staff to provide care that sees each person as a WHOLE PERSON, rather than just as a patient who has a particular condition.

Chapel and Religious Services

Chapels are located at Dandenong, Kingston and Clayton campuses. Religious Services are held regularly at each. Anyone of any faith is welcome to use any of the chapels for prayer, reflection or as a place of peace.

Special services are held on festivals and at other times by arrangement with the site Co-ordinator of Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care. Holy Communion, Blessings, Reconciliation, Anointing, and other ministries are available at the bedside on request.

Contact us

For further enquiries contact one of the site Co-ordinators of Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care services via the main hospital phone number.