BATHURST Base Hospital is looking for more people who can join its pastoral care group.
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The definition of pastoral care varies, but ultimately it is about listening to patients in hospital to make them feel more at ease as they undergo treatment.
Pastoral care coordinator Bruce Prince said the hospital has found it to be an effective part of its patient care.
“They decided to form a pastoral care team comprised of volunteers that have been trained and offer this service in addition to traditional care,” he said.
“For patients, sometimes just the mere act of talking can allay their fears.
“Just by listening to the patient, or carer, or staff, they are able to get the patient to talk about their care.”
Some people confuse pastoral care with chaplaincy, but Mr Prince said it is not a form of religious care, although conversations can sometimes take a religious turn.
“The pastoral care vlunteer has been trained to go down that track if they want to or care to,” he said.
“I’ve been in there and people have said ‘Bruce, are you a praying man?’ and I say ‘yes’ and they ask me to say a prayer for them.”
As some members of the pastoral care group have moved away, the hospital would like to train more volunteers for the service.
A 40-hour training course is run by Clinical Pastoral Education and can be completed in Bathurst with enough people signed up.
The course costs $250, however the hospital will refund $200 after the first 12 months.
Anyone who is a good listener and able to spare some time is suited to be a pastoral carer.
“I like helping people. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community,” Mr Prince said.
Anyone interested in undertaking training can call Mr Prince on 0413 966 388 or email bruceprince@bigpond.com.