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Chaplaincy Awareness Week celebrated at Waikato Hospital
Chaplaincy Awareness Week celebrated at Waikato Hospital
Clinical teams at Waikato Hospital tend to injury and illness, but another type of support is offered by the hospital’s chaplaincy team. Their role is to provide spiritual care and comfort patients and their relatives, irrespective of any religious faith.
This week is Hospital Chaplaincy Week, raising awareness and funds for this important service that is offered in hospitals throughout New Zealand.
For many people, the friendly face of a chaplain or volunteer chaplaincy visitor is a welcome way to cope with the range of emotions or questions associated with a hospital stay.
Maggie Hackett is one of many patients who can vouch for the positive role the chaplains play for patient and families.
“One of the chaplains was with my children when they were told I might not make it through the night,” she recalls.
That was five months ago. Now Maggie, who is having her 66th birthday in a week’s time, is focused on building up her strength and looking forward to going home to Taumarunui.
“The chaplains have been a huge help. My family live in Auckland and although they visit whenever they can they also have their own families and commitments. I’ve had things playing on my mind, and I’m stuck here feeling helpless and worrying.
“So it has been wonderful to have Sue (a chaplaincy visitor) and Janine (a chaplain) to talk to in confidence.”
“I love them coming in to have a chat about anything. It’s like talking to an old friend. It helps take my mind off my situation too.”
Maggie knows that ‘letting things out’ has helped her healing – “I know that having a positive frame of mind has helped me get through this.”
Four full-time and four part-time chaplains, six chapel helpers and 20 volunteer chaplaincy visitors form the team at Waikato Hospital. They lead chapel services each Sunday and offer a number of other services of blessing, thanksgiving and celebration, but it is the personal support to patients and families that stands out.
“A chaplain is always available at Waikato Hospital,” Rev. Janine Sinclair, pictured, says. “We work in ways that respect all persons’ dignity, privacy, culture and beliefs.”
Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams endorses the chaplaincy work. “Hospital chaplains provide an important service for patients and relatives grappling with grief and illness.
“This week is a chance to thank them for the guidance and encouragement they provide.”
The Ministry of Health funds approximately half of the cost of hospital chaplaincy, the balance being funded by local churches and the community.
The national Hospital Chaplaincy Week Appeal is another way the money is raised.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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