Pinelodge Pastoral Services
St John of God Pinelodge Clinic offer patients and their
families pastoral care from the Pastoral Services Department.
What is Pastoral Care?
Pastoral Care or spiritual care is a general
term which encompasses all ways in which attention is paid to the
spiritual nature of the person and, specifically for the
health care environment, to the spiritual issues that arise in the
context of illness, suffering and recovery.
At the centre of Pastoral Care are the
questions ‘who am I?’ and ‘why am I here?’ This service gives the
patient and their family a safe and private opportunity to explore
and reflect on their spiritual journey.
Pastoral Care is provided by Pastoral Practitioners who are
professionally trained to work in the area of Pastoral Care. At St
John of God Health Care our aim is to bring comfort through
services that are caring, compassionate and affirming. We promote a
holistic approach to care which respects the dignity and worth of
each human person.
Is Pastoral Care
religious?
Pinelodge believes that pastoral care or spiritual
care is important in the process of recovery and healing.
Pastoral practitioners seek to understand and
appreciate the spiritual, religious and cultural traditions of each
individual and to respect their experience.
Pastoral Care is concerned with serving and
supporting people with no religious beliefs and practices, as well
as those with specific religious beliefs and practices.
What Pastoral Services offer
The team
consists of two Pastoral Practitioners who are available to both
patients and their family. The team draws on many years experience
of pastoral care, working with clients in an individual or
group setting. Weekly discussion groups are held on a range of
topics which are helpful to the recovery process and clients can
access a library of inspirational books.
Pastoral Services can organise visits for patients with
religious needs from leaders of their relevant faith tradition. The
Quiet Room is open every day and can be used for reflection,
meditation, prayer or other spiritual practices. This room is
freely available to patients, visitors and caregivers.
Contact Andrew Somerville if you would like to discuss how
Pastoral Services can help you in your recovery.
Andrew.Somerville@sjog.org.au
Tel: (03) 8793 9444