Spiritual Care, Chaplains and Sacred Space

The Spiritual Care Team, including Chaplains and volunteers, who have completed accredited training, provide pastoral and spiritual care for patients, families and staff.
Spiritual Care: Finding hope, comfort, support and strength
We care about what matters to you.
The Spiritual Care Team, including Chaplains and volunteers, who have completed accredited training, provide emotional and spiritual care for patients, families and staff. If you would like to be visited by a Spiritual Care team member or Chaplain, the ward staff will arrange it for you. The Spiritual Care Coordinator or Chaplains can contact a variety of religious traditions and support networks including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths.
Spiritual Care is currently available in:
- English
- Arabic: عربى
- Dari, Farsi, Hazaragi: دری
- Cantonese: 广东 , 廣東話
- Mandarin: 普通话, 普通話
- Swahili: Kiswahili
How to access this service
Hours
For urgent needs there is a Spiritual Care Chaplain on call at all times, who can be contacted by calling the switchboard – Ph: (08) 8161 7000.
Location
- Level 1, Zone B, Good Friday building
- room no 1f1- 08b
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What does spiritual care do?
The Spiritual Care Team provides respectful, empathetic support for WCHN patients and families. This support includes emotional, spiritual and religious aspects of life, based on what each patient and family would like.
Spiritual Care Team members regularly introduce themselves to patients and families. They offer sensitive and culturally appropriate support to all.
How does spiritual care help?
Coming to hospital can bring up a range of thoughts and feelings for people. Many people find that talking to someone outside of their situation helps them to process or understand their thoughts and feelings and identify their sources of strength and support. This often brings a sense of relief and clarity.
Is spiritual care just for religious people?
No. Spiritual care is for everyone. Whoever you are and whatever you believe, you will find the team to be respectful, providing care that is personalised to you.
Is religious or faith-based support available?
Yes. A wide range of religious, cultural and faith based support is available in a variety of languages. Please contact us and we will arrange this.
Do I have to talk to spiritual care?
No. Use of this service is voluntary. Patients and families are free to choose whether to talk with spiritual care team members. You are welcome to tell team members that you would not like to talk to them at that time, or at all.
Sacred Space
The Sacred Space is available for personal or group reflection, meditation and prayer. The indoor and outdoor aspects of the Sacred Space bring an atmosphere that respects all attitudes to faith or spirituality. It may also be used for more formal settings of worship, baptisms and blessings.
The Sacred Space is located in Zone B, on the first floor of the Good Friday Building, opposite the Play Deck. It is open 24 hours.
Contact
Phone
Cathy Haakmeester
Spiritual Care Coordinator
(08) 8161 7000 (WCH switchboard)
Mailing address
Spiritual Care Coordinator
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006