Celebrating Spiritual Carers
Sharing our Story – Sarah
- A unit requests support for a young Aboriginal woman who feels she is being followed.
- A couple requests a baptism for their baby who is not going to survive.
- A man requests support after a suicide attempt and his partner subsequently leaving him whilst in hospital.
- A patient requests a wedding to her beloved partner before she dies.
Spiritual Care in a large hospital is difficult to define, and more easily shown by stories. There are barely words to describe the variation of our days or the privilege it is to walk alongside people in these challenging moments. I’m Sarah, and part of a Spiritual Care team in the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network. My background is that I was ordained as a Uniting Church minister (of Deacon) in 2003 and have worked since then in various pastoral ministries over the years, before moving into Spiritual Care in health. I am now part-time in a shared Coordinator role plus chaplain to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Neonatal ICU ward.
This role is a deep and daily privilege. Our ICU is a large tertiary unit for southern S.A. Often, in Intensive Care, we find patients and families on the worst day of their lives and wrestling to find hope or sitting with despair and grief.
In a space like this, there are many moving parts and roles, and it requires constant intentional relationship building. Spiritual Care can change according to every moment and situation. Some of course are looking for religious support, but the vast majority are simply stressed, overwhelmed or in shock and grief, and appreciate having a safe person to hold a space for their emotions. Spiritual Care is so significant in these spaces, I can’t imagine how the community would be without it.
WEDNESDAY 23rd OCTOBER
Register here to meet and greet Register here to meet non-faith based practitioners
For all Spiritual Care Week Events visit
http://www.spiritualcareaustralia.org.au
