By spiritual care we mean we are interested in whatever lifts your spirit! This might be your faith, football, family, TV or your love of music.
We recognise that many things which give us pleasure and meaning in our life are more difficult to connect with when we are ill. However, this is just the time we need to connect with those pleasures even more.
Illness also brings us face to face with very difficult questions about the meaning of life, the meaning of illness, why bad things happen and how dreadful losses can be faced. Often a stay in a hospice gives time for contemplation and various questions arise, some religious, some not.
If it is your wish, we can help you to face those difficult questions. All our staff are trained to listen and help you explore these challenges.
Mum had always fiercely guarded her independence and was a proclaimed cynic; what she gained from you all was a "fragment of heaven" where she learned to lean on the "angels" who cared for her. I think it helped her to lay some ghosts to rest. For this I thank you also.Daughter of patient, July 2004
We welcome people of all faiths and none and recognise that, although religion is a comfort to many, care of the spirit is more than religion. We try to adapt to any religious specific dietary requirements you may have.
We have our own Chaplaincy team whom you might like to talk to - they can be of enormous support in facing uncertainty. The team is available to help explore your questions, or simply be beside you in your journey as a friend, if that is all you need.
Our Chaplaincy team, Chaplain and voluntary Assistant Chaplain, visits all our patients and one of the team members is usually at the Hospice from Monday to Friday. Local clergy are available out of hours if required.
Other clergy or religious leaders are welcome to visit the Hospice at any time to see members of their own community and to follow any appropriate religious observances. Our Chaplains can facilitate this for you.
The Hospice Chapel offers a quiet place to pray and reflect. Religious objects from most of the major religions are available.
Communion is usually celebrated in the Chapel on the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month, and on every Wednesday. Prayers or communion can be arranged at any time to suit you and your family, either in the Chapel or in your room.
The Chaplains are also available to discuss funeral plans and options, and can conduct funerals in some circumstances.