Services & Departments

Barwon Health is committed to the care of the whole person; physically, emotionally and spiritually. As an essential part of the care team, Spiritual Care staff focus on the spiritual needs of patients, families and carers.

Spiritual Care staff are trained and accredited in working alongside you to support three main areas: meaning, purpose and connection. For many people, their spirituality will include significant relationships whether in family, community, the sacred, religion, pets, nature, art, music alongside an vast array of other expressions, our focus is ‘what is meaningful for you?’ 

We can support you, if you:

• Are feeling lonely, worried or fearful 
• Are in a crisis
• Are facing change
• Are facing issues related to death or grief 
• Want to see a religious minister or chaplain, or support from any faith
• Require prayer or meditation support

People often say that what is most helpful about seeing a spiritual care worker is: ‘being able to talk about what was on my mind’. Meeting with a spiritual care staff member gives people an opportunity to speak about whatever they feel is important to them, even if it is something thought to be stressful, socially unacceptable, or awkward.  

Who is it for?

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 also work with staff for debriefs and in education.

How do I access Spiritual Care?

Spiritual Care is provided on a referral basis. Patients, residents, family and carers are encouraged to request our services using the contact details below.

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

Services

• Spiritual care 
• Religious care (sacraments, prayer, religious ministers)
• Emotional support
• Bereavement support, grief and loss
• Spiritual, religious and sacred texts
• Ceremonial events and rites
• Mindfulness meditation, relaxation and yoga
• Aromatherapy
• Referral and assessment
• Education and training
• Life Reflections and Dignity Therapy (for patients within the Palliative Care program)

Spiritual care is provided through assessment, counselling, support and rituals relating to a person’s beliefs, values, culture and practices. This enables the person to access their own spiritual resources.

For Spiritual Care enquiries, please ask a staff member to page Spiritual Care on 648.

Religious leaders from your faith tradition are welcome to provide your spiritual care while you are here. The Spiritual Care department can contact them on your behalf to arrange a visit.

Events at University Hospital Geelong

Day and time	Activity	Location
Monday to Thursday 9am	Reflection time: Should the Spiritual Care team not be present attendees are always welcome to enjoy a time of quiet reflection.	Spirituality Centre
Tuesday (during school term time) 10am - 11am	Mindfulness and Relaxation for people affected by cancer	Andrew Love Cancer Centre Wellness Lounge
Tuesday (during school term time) 2pm - 2.20pm	Mindfulness for staff and volunteers	Spirituality Centre
Wednesday 2pm	Ecumenical Service and optional Holy Communion	Spirituality Centre
Sunday (second Sunday of the month) 3pm	Baha’i Meditation	Spirituality Centre

Events at McKellar Centre and Alan David Lodge

Various services specific to residential units are held during the week. Though some of the worship services are led by particular Christian groups, all people are welcome to attend. Please call 4215 6145.

The Contemplation Centre (Historic Chapel) at the McKellar Centre is located just outside the entrance to Palliative Care. Volunteers can assist patients and residents to and from the Contemplation Centre.