Hospital chaplain’s hard work celebrated

Cambridge woman Shirley Murray-Geary knows all too well the difference a chaplain can make to time spent in hospital. Mrs Murray-Geary, 74, has spent the last three weeks in Waikato Hospital recovering from a broken ankle and says the chaplains gave her strength to get through. “They came around and introduced themselves and it was good to talk to a nice friendly face. “I’d recommend them to anyone coming into hospital,” she said. Mrs Murray-Geary, who is a member of the Trinity St Paul’s Union Parish of Cambridge, said they are great listeners and it helped knowing that someone from the chaplaincy service was available to her and other patients in hospital. Next week is Hospital Chaplaincy Week, raising awareness and funds for this important service that offers support, encouragement and comfort to many patients, families and staff in hospital every day.

Mrs Murray-Geary with Rev Anna Baker.

Rev Anna Baker (pictured on right with Mrs Murray-Geary) is one of the chaplains at Waikato Hospital who provide spiritual care and support to people of any or no faith.

“This can include working with people in major life crises and events to listening and comforting them through the varying experiences of hospital and life outside too.

“We also lead chapel services each Sunday and offer a number of other services of blessing, thanksgiving and celebration.

“A chaplain is always available at Waikato Hospital,” Rev Baker said.

“Chaplains work in ways that respect all persons’ dignity, privacy, culture and beliefs.”

Four full-time and four part-time chaplains, six chapel helpers and 20 volunteer chaplaincy visitors also form the team at Waikato Hospital.

Chaplains have contributed to the health and wellbeing of people in New Zealand hospitals since 1868.

Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said the week is a reminder that health care is about more than physical well-being.

“Hospital chaplains provide an important service for patients and relatives grappling with grief and illness.

“Often the work they do and the help they provide is very much behind the scenes. It can often be intense, demanding and dramatic supporting a patient and their family, and hospital staff too.

“Next week is a chance to thank them for the guidance and encouragement they provide,” Mrs Adams said.

The Ministry of Health funds approximately half of the cost of hospital chaplaincy, the balance being funded by local churches and the community.

The Hospital Chaplaincy Week Appeal is another way the money is raised.

This year’s Hospital Chaplaincy Week will be launched at the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton, 9.45am Sunday 19 September with representatives of the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy (ICHC), the Waikato Hospital Chaplaincy Support Committee and  hospital personnel.

All are invited to join this celebration.

For more information about Hospital Chaplaincy Week and to make a donation, visit www.beingthere.co.nz or phone 04 801 8008 or 04 381 3496.

ENDS

Date: 17 September 2010

Contact:
Ashleigh Peek
Communications Consultant
Waikato District Health Board
Ph: 021 359 315