phone: 250-755-7691 (250-947-8214 if calling
from Parksville) ext. 54022
e-mail: Darren.Colyn@viha.ca
Accessing Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospital Chaplain is available Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Chaplain can be reached at local 54022 or at (250) 713-3883. The Chaplain’s office is located in the main lobby next to the gift shop.
Outside the above hours, on-call Chaplains can be contacted through the hospital switchboard. Hospital staff can help you find clergy from a particular faith by using the Religious Organization Directory (available on each unit).
What is Spiritual Care?
When we, or someone we love, experiences ill health we not only suffer physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Spiritual suffering can make us question life’s meaning (Why is this happening?),our purpose (What am I going to do?) and personal identity (How will this affect me and my family?). Spiritual Care seeks to address these kinds of questions.
For some people Spiritual Care comes through the rituals, readings and language of a particular religious background. For others this care is provided through conversations and activities that focus on spiritual issues.
Who Provides Spiritual Care?
The Hospital Chaplain recognizes and responds to people’s spiritual and religious needs in appropriate ways. The Chaplain works closely with all health caregivers, giving direct care to patients, family members and hospital staff. The Chaplain also helps connect people with their local faith community.
On-Call Chaplains provide Spiritual Care when the hospital Chaplain is unavailable. On-call Chaplains can be contacted through the hospital switchboard.
Community Clergy and Denominational Visitors work in cooperation with the Chaplain to visit members from their particular faith backgrounds.
Spiritual Care Volunteers are trained volunteers who assist the Chaplain with provision of Spiritual Care to patients at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH).
Spiritual Care providers serve people from an interfaith perspective without prejudice for any particular culture or faith affiliation. All are required to abide by VIHA confidentiality policies.
Whom Do We Serve?
The Chaplain and other spiritual care providers are here to care for patients, family members, and hospital staff. Chaplains provide care when requested by an individual or through a referral from staff, family members or friends.
When Might Someone Need Spiritual Care?
• When they need a listening ear
• When they are anxious before a surgery
• When they need comfort, strength and reassurance
• When they desire prayer or a word of encouragement from their faith
• When they have concerns about their relationship with God
• When they desire a sacrament, such as baptism, communion or sacrament of the sick (last rites, final blessing)
• When they need motivation for rehabilitation
• When they wonder where God is
• When they struggle with faith issues in medical decisions
• When they are grateful to God for healing
• When, if you are a staff person, you see such needs in your patient
• When, if you are a family member, you see such needs in your loved one
Is There a Chapel at NRGH?
Yes. To access the hospital chapel, go down the stairs across from the cafeteria and turn right. The chapel is open to all and is a quiet space for prayer, meditation and reflection.
VIHA Spiritual Care Services
Our Vision:
A health care environment where spiritual and religious care, comfort and home are integrated into the healing journey.
Our Mission:
As a full and contributing part of the health care team, Spiritual/Pastoral Care is a visible presence that recognizes the human need for acceptance, hope, love and faith. We act upon this need through personal presence and implementation of various programs.