This experience affects everyone differently: some enjoy the opportunity to meet new people, others can find it challenging; some appreciate the company a ward provides, others find the busyness of a ward challenging; some are relieved to have come into hospital, others are concerned about what the future holds.
It is normal to feel anxious and reflective. Some useful things to know:
· Chaplaincy is available every day, 365 days of the year.
· In emergencies, we visit at night as well.
· We come to the bedside.
· We will be led by you so we offer the right amount of support while you are in hospital.
· We listen to our patients and offer company, opportunities to talk about the things that matter and chances to reflect on the things that concern them.
· We can provide religious support appropriate to the faith and beliefs of the patient.
· We can help make contact with religious and community groups.
· We organise services in the chapel (for further information please see ‘The Chapel and Prayer Rooms’).
· We are here for the families and friends of our patients, too. If they need to talk, we are here to listen.
· We can signpost help with funerals and offer bereavement support.
· We can provide religious resources.
· We organise services in the Chapel and Prayer Room.
