Department Head: Patricia A. Frain

What is Spiritual Care?

Spiritual care is that care which recognizes and responds to the needs of the human spirit when faced with trauma, ill health or sadness. It can include the need for meaning, for self-worth, to express oneself, for faith support, perhaps for rites or prayer or sacrament, or simply for a sensitive listener.

Spiritual care begins with encouraging human contact in compassionate relationship, and moves in whatever direction need requires.

We care for the human spirit embodied in all patients, families and staff by:

• Listening and providing support; arranging for prayer ceremonies, sacraments, rituals
• Providing complementary therapies such as Reiki and Therapeutic Touch
• Accompanying those who are searching for meaning in the face of suffering and illness.
• Being there to support as best we can, whenever we can
• Participating and providing leadership in staff and family conferences.
• Assisting patients and their families concerning relationships and ethical issues.
• Supporting HSC staff whenever requested; Celebration of Life gatherings for deceased staff of HSC, upon request; education sessions for staff.

Guiding Principles of Spiritual Health Services

INCLUSIVITY
Spiritual/Compassionate care available to all patients, families & staff at HSC, whether or not they follow a particular religious/spiritual tradition; whether atheist or agnostic.

HONORING & CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
No single approach to spiritual health is satisfactory for all in a multicultural society; many kinds of resources are needed to be inclusive.

HEALING
Overall wellness considers the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical dimensions of patient care. The spiritual dimension influences healing and one's response to illness, loss, grief and dying.

HOPE
May hope flourish in this place…Is an important theme of Health Sciences Centre and a guiding principle of Spiritual Health Services. We strive to make hope visible at HSC, and to create a hopeful environment for patient, families & staff.

A timetable of events held in the Sanctuary in the General Hospital is located on the door of Spiritual Health Services.

Contact Information
Please contact Spiritual Health Services at 787-3884 for more information or to make a referral.

Telephone No.: 787-3884 (General Office)
Fax No.: 787-1517
E-mail Address: Patricia A. Frain

Hours of Operation:
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Mon. to Fri.

Emergency on-call support is available 24hours a day, 7 days a week.