Spiritual Care

What are Spiritual Care Visitors?

Spiritual Care Visitors are both clergy and lay people who provide spiritual and religious care to our patients, families and staff. They offer compassion, comfort and hope through their caring presence. Clergy function as Unit Chaplains and On-Call Chaplains. Lay people from various churches also fulfill the role of Spiritual Care Visitors. All of these volunteers are coordinated by the Hospital Chaplain.

Who can volunteer?

Caring and compassionate men and women who are aware of their own spirituality and are supported by their own faith group.

What are the requirements for Spiritual Care Visitors?

Spiritual Care Visitors, who are not clergy, must complete a six week basic training course (one evening per week) led by the Hospital's Chaplain. Each must be endorsed by their own faith group or parish.

What is the commitment?

• A weekly commitment of two to three hours to visit patients in the morning, afternoon or evening
  
  
• Attend regular monthly support meetings
  
  
• All Spiritual Care Visitors are accountable to the Hospital's Chaplain.
  

Areas of volunteering

Spiritual Care Visitors are assigned to a specific patient care unit at the hospital with consideration given to their preference.

For more information, contact the Hospital's Chaplain at (905) 895-4521 extension 2539.