Nurturing our community through life's journey: introducing our pastoral services team

25 Oct 2023

These eight very special individuals are the heart and soul of our pastoral services, offering a lifeline of support to our patients and their families and caregivers.

The support provided starts with the family, right from the moment of diagnosis, and extends throughout their entire hospital journey. Whether it's providing a listening ear during treatment or offering support before or after a loved one's passing, our pastoral services team is there. They guide families through the challenging process of funeral arrangements and continue to offer support through phone calls, heartfelt cards and personal visits. Three times a year, the team hosts memorial services - a time of remembrance and healing for patients’ families. Whenever necessary, they connect them to essential community resources to ensure their wellbeing.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Pastoral Services Manager Sarah Simpson said that pastoral services team members focus on meeting the needs of the person or family they are seeing, and primarily on the range of emotions that are expressed at that time. 

“For example, research shows that supporting people through the emotions of pregnancy loss and allowing them to explore their feelings, often results in a betterment in the person’s spiritual wellbeing,” she explained.

The scope of the team’s work spans through a wide range of experiences. From offering comfort to those grappling with the heartache of pregnancy loss to assisting senior individuals, the team is there at every stage of life.

Pastoral Practitioner Elly Welke added, "It's an honour to step into the vulnerable spaces of peoples’ lives, to share their stories, their grief, and their emotions. We consider it a privilege to provide this kind of support."

Our pastoral services team brings together a diverse blend of professional backgrounds, including nursing, counselling, church ministry, the arts and psychology. This diversity enriches their work, offering a unique set of skills and perspectives. They understand the vital role of addressing mental health and spirituality in patient care. They focus on person-centered care, regardless of their religious beliefs, showing respect for all kinds of spirituality.

It's not uncommon for patients and even caregivers to associate "pastoral care" with religion, at times creating barriers to accessing the team's support.

"In those crucial first moments of visiting a patient, we take the time to explain our role, emphasising that we're here to support emotional and spiritual needs, regardless of religion," Elly said.

Our pastoral services team extends a lifeline of care, ensuring that no one in the community faces life's challenges alone. They are there to listen, to guide and to support, meeting individuals wherever they are in their journey. Whether it's comforting a family after the loss of a baby, helping them to navigate the ashes and questions, or providing information on early pregnancy loss, they create a gentle and open space for people to find solace.

Every admission to our hospital opens the door to pastoral services. It serves as a reminder that the team is there to support the whole person, exploring their strengths and coping mechanisms.

"We honour the uniqueness of each individual's spiritual path, ensuring that no one feels alone in their time of need," shared Pastoral Practitioner Lesley Willow.

Our pastoral services team members are at the heart of the compassionate care we provide, serving as a true pillar of support for our hospital community.