Information for patients

Coming into hospital can be a stressful time. For many, there is not only the pressure of the illness itself and the subsequent treatment of the event which brings us into hospital; there are often many other concerns on our minds as well, relating perhaps to our home and personal situations. Sometimes it can help to talk things through with someone removed from the situation. Chaplains provide a sympathetic, confidential listening ear to all who would find this support helpful during their hospital stay.

Religious support

For those who practise a religious faith, it can be tremendously helpful to have religious support available during a hospital stay. Chaplains specifically provide, both at the bedside and in the Chapel, Faith or Quiet rooms:

• prayer (general, specific, before operations, with the dying and so on)
• holy communion
• anointing
• pastoral care
• emergency baptisms
• naming and blessing services for babies
• a volunteer escort to Chapel services in Southampton General Hospital
• arrangements for emergency weddings/renewal of marriage vows
• contact and liaison with local leaders of all the major faith groups on your behalf, where requested.
• support for your faith needs being respected
• access to religious literature (such as the Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita)
  

Contacting a chaplain

If you are coming into hospital and would like a chaplain to visit during your admission, there are a number of ways you can let us know.

• Phone, write, fax or email to let us know the date you are coming in and the location you are expected to be in. If you are writing, please do so well in advance, so that we don't miss you if the letter is delayed and it is a short admission.
• Let the nursing staff know on your admission that you would like them to refer you to the chaplaincy department.
• Arrange for your minister/faith leader, relative or friend to contact us on your behalf.
  

Whilst in hospital

• Ask the nursing staff to refer you to the chaplaincy department.
• Use an internal phone if you are able to, and dial 8517 to get through to the chaplaincy department directly.
• If you are mobile and allowed to leave to leave the ward, you can visit us at the chaplaincy centre.