Spiritual support

Spirituality in Intensive Care

Spending time in the Intensive Care Unit can be very stressful for patients, families and friends.In the days following an accident, a major illness, trauma or surgery, emotions often run high. It can be difficult to think straight. Sometimes being brought face to face with the possibility of a loved one dying or wondering if they'll be the same person when they recover, can lead us to think about what's really important in life and what we value most. 

Talking can help,but it's not always easy

It's not always easy to confide in the people closest to us because they too are feeling anxious. Patients and families can sometimes worry about "bothering" busy nurses and doctors. Being able to talk about your thoughts and feeelings can, however,help, and can make time spent in Intensive Care a little more bearable.

How can spiritual support help?

A visit from someone of your faith group offers unhurried company by the bedside or in a more private place.We all can benefit from the sympathetic care and understanding of others when going through difficult times.Though we may doubt it, we also have resources within ourselves to meet these challenges. Sometimes, we discover where these strengths lie when we are able to share honestly what we are thinking, in the company of someone who gives us their undivided and confidential attention.This is the kind of care chaplains offer and are trained to provide; both for people whose faith is important to them as well as for people who look at life from a quite different perspective.

Other beliefs and faiths  

Spiritual support is very broadly based and is available to all, regardless of faith, belief, religion or perspective. If you would like the chance to speak to someone confidentially,the nurses will be happy to arrange for one of the spiritual care team to call by and say “hello”. We would be very happy to arrange for someone of your own faith, belief system or religion to visit you.Please do ask.