Pastoral care can be described as emotional and spiritual care, supporting patients and their families in their pain and loss as well as their triumphs and joys. Illness can cause many people to have deep questions about what is happening to them and they can often benefit from talking to someone to try and make some sense of it. The Chaplain is able to listen, support and offer helpful techniques when appropriate.

Thinking ahead can often be a daunting prospect and can cause lots of different emotions. Alongside the social work team, the Chaplain is able to support and help practically, particularly around the area of funeral planning.

 

Ayrshire Hospice Chaplain, Steve Brown.

Patient and Family Support Services offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to individuals and their families who are living with
life-limiting illness and experiencing death or bereavement. The team consists of social work, pastoral care, counselling and bereavement support.

The service provides positive and practical ways for families to draw on their own strengths at difficult times. The team offer
ongoing support, pre and post bereavement, to ensure that families have continuity of care when help is needed.