Pastoral Care Department
We strive to attend to the Pastoral, Spiritual, Religious, and Emotional needs of those in our care, available to all members of the hospital community (if they wish to avail of it) irrespective of religious affiliation. All are welcome to visit. We recognise the dignity and right to religious freedom of each person and endeavour to respond to the needs of all irrespective of tradition, culture or affiliation.
The ministry of Pastoral Care is an integral component of the multi-disciplinary approach to holistic, patient-centred care in the hospital. Our mission, as a Department, is to provide care that is in keeping with the Bon Secours mantra of “good help to those in need”. This is achieved through providing a compassionate presence to patients, their families and staff, within the context of sacramental and non-sacramental ministry. Confidentiality and a determination to adhere to national and international guidelines around best practice service delivery are the linchpins upon which such a quality service is provided at Bon Secours Hospital Tralee.The Pastoral department is staffed by professionally trained and accredited Healthcare Chaplains. Our Healthcare Chaplains have undergone intensive Clinical Pastoral Education and theological formation prior to certification and engage in regular continuous professional development. All are welcome to make contact with Pastoral Care team directly or by dialling Ext 272/479 and asking the receptionist on duty to make contact with the Healthcare Chaplain on duty. Alternatively ask a staff member to bleep us on 37.
Members of the Pastoral Care team visit patients in their rooms (unless otherwise specified) and respond to referrals from patients, families or staff. While all are welcome to avail of the services of the team a specific referral may be given in the following circumstances:
- Whena patient’s general condition deteriorates
- When a person displays anxiety or increased levels of stress
- If fear or uncertainty is expressed explicitly or implicitly at any stage
- When a patient’s family member becomes stressed or anxious
- When a person appears in need of attentive presence and a listening ear
- When a person is dying or has died
The Pastoral Care team provides supportive presence to patients, their families and to staff in the following ways:
- By being available for ministry seven days per week by virtue of a rota system
- By arranging the provision of sacraments when needed or requested
- By visiting patients during their hospitalisation prioritising where necessary new patients, those facing surgery and those journeying towards death
- By praying with patients when requested to do so
- By reflective listening and compassionate presence
- By being available to offer pastoral and spiritual support at time of critical diagnosis or terminal illness
- By arranging and co-ordinating liturgical services at various times throughout the year
- By offering support to families and staff who are in need during times of stress and upheaval
Mass Times
Mass is celebrated daily in the hospital chapel at 9.30 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration follows Mass on Wednesdays until 10.30a.m. Eucharist (Holy Communion) is distributed in patients’ rooms to those who wish to receive at 2.30p.m. on weekdays, and after 9.30a.m. Mass on weekends and public holidays. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to distribute Eucharist to some patients (who wish to receive) before/after daily Mass. Holy Water is available on request from Healthcare Chaplain on duty.
Appointments
A Catholic priest is available on request for the administration of the sacraments according to the wishes of those who wish to receive them. This can be arranged by contacting the Healthcare Chaplain on duty. If a priest is needed at night time the Night Sister/ADON on duty should be informed and they will duly make contact with the priest on duty.
Location
The Hospital Chapel on the ground floor is open 24 hours a day, providing an oasis of calm to all for prayer and reflection.
All services are transmitted from the Chapel to patients’ rooms on T.V. Channel 7. During the day reflective music is also available on the same channel.
