Ministry in hospitals and hospices

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Many people visit friends and family when they are in hospital or a hospice.

Sometimes this may be on behalf of the church either as a licensed minister or as a member of a pastoral visiting team. This ministry can offer valuable encouragement and support to those who are sick and bring a sense of God’s presence and peace where there may be distress and anxiety.

The chaplaincy teams in the hospitals and hospices welcome such visits, but ask that visiting clergy respect the basic guidelines which include the confidentiality of the patients and safeguarding. For clergy it is especially important to take note of the guidelines relating to the taking of Holy Communion to patients.

Guidelines for representatives of faith communities visiting hospitals and hospices | PDF

For more information

If there are any questions about hospital or hospice chaplaincy and ministry, please email the Revd Canon Sharon Connell CA, Bishops' Adviser for Healthcare Chaplaincy, or phone her on 01284 766133.

Page last updated: Thursday 20th January 2022 11:53 AM
Powered by Church Edit