Ask ‘What’s on your mind?’
When you or someone you care for is in hospital, you may have things that you need to talk through. Spending time in hospital might cause feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and stress or relief, joy and hope.
Family members and friends are often an important support, but sometimes a person who is less involved in the situation and specialises in listening can help.
We listen to what is important to you and what is on your mind. Sometimes you might want to talk about your spirituality. Sometimes you might not, it’s up to you. If spirituality is important to you, whether a personal sense of ‘something bigger’ or specifically faith based, our team members can discuss how this may help you respond to your current situation.
We can use prayer or ritual, when requested.
61% of Australians are affiliated with a religion and 14% consider themselves “spiritual but not religious”. More than one in two would like to receive Spiritual Care when in hospital.*
Anyone can support your spirituality and assist you to explore what is on your mind as you cope with your situation.
Spiritual Care Practitioners have qualifications and experience and to offer a dedicated listening presence, emotional support, general or specific spiritual guidance and prayer and ritual.
We do talk about more than ‘God stuff’.
We won’t attempt to ‘convert’ you.
We don’t just visit those who are ‘religious'.
We won’t judge you for anything you say or do.
We don’t only visit people who are dying.
We aren’t all ‘Christian Ministers’ (but some are).
You are in control of where the conversation goes, and what you want to share with us. We’ll listen.
You can also ask us to leave at any time.
We won’t share your story.
General notes will be made in your hospital record about your spiritual needs, resources and care plan. Information relevant to your health care may be shared with other members of your treating team.
We don’t offer home visits.
We don’t offer post-discharge bereavement help.
We care for patients, their families and friends, residents, visitors, volunteers and staff.
Spiritual Care team members will visit anyone who needs a listening presence or emotional support, regardless of their spiritual background. They may do this on general ward rounds or after a referral.
You won’t always be visited by Spiritual Care while you are here. If a visit important to you, please ask staff for a referral. You can also ask staff if your religion is accurately recorded in the main hospital database. This will mean your Spiritual Community representatives know you are in hospital.
How important is spirituality for you, right now?
Have you got a supportive spiritual community?
How can we support your spiritual needs?
What gives your life meaning?
What gives you purpose?
What gives you hope?
Staff, families, residents and volunteers can also access this service.
Spiritual and inspirational reflections and pre-recorded services.
Patient Entertainment System
Local services and reflections, viewed on a loop.
Website
www.SacredSpaceBendigoHealth.org.au
(Exploring feelings, spirituality, reflections/readings, video clips and prerecorded services)
Anyone can make a referral or arrange an appointment or phone/video conversation with a Spiritual Care team member.
Referrals from staff are best sent through the ePR (Patient> Order> Referrals).
(Distribution list to all employed Spiritual Care Practitioners)
Phone
Spiritual Care Manager 5454 7688
Spiritual Care Team 5454 7638 / 5454 6405
Telehealth: Bendigohealth.org.au/telehealth
Visit
We are located near Sacred Space, Level 2, Mercy Street, Bendigo.
A Spiritual Care contact list and referral (triage) flowchart is available on the Intranet for staff use.
Some team members are available for after-hours emergency visits, however many only visit during regular business hours.
Patients can access this service during their stay in hospital, as can those visiting someone in hospital, or residents in one of Bendigo Health’s residential services. Staff and volunteers can also access this service.
Spiritual Care does not offer home visits.
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
