At St John of God Health Care, our pastoral services support the emotional, spiritual, cultural and relational health of all people in our care.
Pastoral care recognises that health and healing involve the whole person and seeks to offer presence, compassion, and support during times of illness, uncertainty, grief and transition.
Our professional pastoral services caregivers are an integral part of the multidisciplinary health care team, complementing and contributing to the overall person-centred care provided to patients, clients and their families.
Our pastoral care services are available to all patients, clients and families, regardless of culture, faith, or spiritual beliefs, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. Pastoral care is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of the people we serve.
We listen with respect to your stories, are sensitive to each person’s vulnerability, and support you to draw on your own sources of hope, courage, trust, meaning, and connection.
Our services
Our pastoral services caregivers seek to:
- Create a safe and trusting environment where individuals and families can share their experiences and explore personal meaning.
- Support people to adjust and cope with hospitalisation, illness, diagnosis, mental health challenges, injury and disability.
- Advocate for ethical, spiritual, cultural and religious needs and concerns.
- Provide support during times of grief and loss including end-of-life care, sudden death, miscarriage and stillbirth, and terminal illness.
- Assist with access to religious rites, blessings, prayer, sacramental ministry and other spiritual support or resources, including access to chapels and reflective spaces.
- Provide comprehensive bereavement support.
- Support individuals and families when a transitions to an aged care facility or other facility is required.
- Upon request, facilitate visits from faith community representatives.
Referrals
A pastoral caregiver may introduce themselves as part of routine care, and members of your health care team may also suggest a referral.
You and your family may request pastoral care at any time. Pastoral care is available to support you throughout your stay.