Spiritual Care

Everybody can benefit from seeing a Spiritual Care staff member, no matter their age, gender, or whether they are spiritual, religious, both or neither.

Spiritual Care is provided on a referral basis. Patients, residents, family and carers are encouraged to request our services. Please ask a staff member at Barwon Health to contact Spiritual Care on (03) 4215 0627 or to contact us on our online internal referral system.

There are places available for reflection, meditation and/or prayer where all are welcome:

• Spirituality Centre level 3 at University Hospital Geelong
• Contemplation Centre at McKellar Centre

“Going into the operating room I knew that I had an outstanding medical team ready to employ cutting edge medical practices…but who helps me with the recovery part of this? ​Who helps me identify and tap into my resources…to do the work involved in recovery…to learn to adapt to the life changes brought on by [my] diagnosis? Who helps me nurture my sense of hope and sustain a positive attitude toward living meaningfully…to tap into my spirit….to bring the resources of my faith and spirituality into play? As a patient, I am looking to my spiritual caregivers for this help.”

• ​‘Spiritual Care from a Patient’s Perspective’, The Oates Journal.

I know that it gave Mark peace in his dying days, knowing that he was able to say what he needed to say before he couldn’t say it anymore.  The work that [Spiritual Care] do is irreplaceable – it gives the patients peace.

I would also like to add, how important Mark’s life reflection document was and still is to myself, his wife, my children, our family and his friends. This work that [Spiritual Care] put together of my husband’s words will always be treasured and held close to us. It’s a legacy for his loved ones to hold onto.

• Anna

I was extremely fortunate to be offered the chance to engage with [the Spiritual Care team]. While I was struggling in many ways; physically, mentally and emotionally, it was great to be able to spend time with [Spiritual Care], telling my story.

During my long days in rehab, after depths of illness that meant time in ICU, it was uplifting to know that I had allotted times when I could speak with [Spiritual Care], delving back into my past, being acknowledged as important, really being heard. It was an important element of my recovery.

• Bruce

Spiritual Care in hospitals is crucial for providing holistic, patient-centred care that addresses the diverse needs of individuals, promotes well-being, and aligns with ethical and accreditation standards.

Regular attendance at mindfulness sessions, led by experienced and dedicated leaders from the Spiritual Care team, have been beneficial to my recovery, especially from cancer. I really value the sessions, led by the [Spiritual Care team] with the know-how to work through relieving depression, tension, and anxiety. I gain much calmness, and complete each session with gratitude.

• Hamish

Whilst I felt incredibly supported by the whole UHG team, including the nurses, doctors, Allied Health, social work and PSAs, it was [Spiritual Care] that was able to provide the time and guidance I needed to sustain myself throughout my stay. [Spiritual Care] played a key role in keeping me afloat emotionally and mentally the whole time I was an inpatient.

[Spiritual Care] provided a regular, safe space for me to explore my ever-changing feelings and emotions, to understand them and to talk about them openly. This came at a particularly important time because I did not want to burden my family further by sharing some of my hidden challenges. [Spiritual Care] was able to provide insights about my thoughts and feelings, and about the journeys others had taken and the lessons they had learned. This provided me with the reassurance I needed to keep positive despite my condition. Our catch ups also provided a much-needed distraction from my situation, and they introduced me to music therapy, which helped me to focus on something other than my illness.

• Rebecca

[Spiritual Care] has shown me nothing but kindness, empathy, non-judgement, really listened to how I was feeling, shared my sadness, and have been very genuine. They made a terrible time seem not so terrible.

I find it difficult to open up and talk about my feelings, but with [Spiritual Care] it was so easy. I felt so safe talking to them. They really care about you. They are the right people to help and support people going through such emotional pain. They are a real asset for your hospital. I am so blessed to have [Spiritual Care] in my plan of care.

• Gayle

With a dim prognosis and treatment you are physically and mentally drained and for me the support of [Spiritual Care] has been enormous. I had never done much meditation, but my weekly meditations through the Andrew Love Cancer Centre with [the Spiritual Care team] at the helm has been a blessing which I am continually so grateful for. They also try to give us some of their time afterward which is often like a support group they are running, conversation that is worth its weight in gold. It’s such a support zone to be in, so grateful to be involved in this way and just know it has contributed to my ongoing health. If there could be medical evidence to prove that I’m still here has something to do with these wonderful humans, I wouldn’t be surprised!

[Spiritual Care] have also visited people I know on the wards, providing that support which I believe is invaluable and for some who don’t have a lot of family or friends. [Spiritual Care] is everything to many. I myself don’t have family and have found the Wellness Centre and [Spiritual Care] my family too.

• Tracy

The Spirituality Centre is located on level 3 (ground level from the main entrance of University Hospital Geelong).

This is a sacred place of welcome for all people, those who profess a particular faith and those who do not.

May you find this a place of quietness and peace, a place of restoration and encouragement. A place where time and business may be put to one side for even a few precious moments.

May you go on your way with renewed strength, peace and hope.

This historic bluestone chapel is located in the grounds of the McKellar Centre, adjacent to the Palliative Care Unit. It is a place of peace for reflection, meditation and/or prayer, for a refuge when you are feeling overwhelmed and jus​​t need some space. We hope all people feel welcome here.​

Various services of worship specific to residential units are held during the week. Please call (03) 4215 6145.