Hospital chaplains are specifically trained for hospital ministry and visit the wards each day. They are available to staff, patients, whanau and family and are an integral part of the healthcare team.
The chaplain’s role is to support a person facing challenging life issues that are having an impact on their sense of wellbeing.
Hospital chaplains offer:
- time to listen
- friendship
- encouragement
- guidance
- prayer
- bedside communion
- anointing
- formal services for baptisms, weddings, celebrations and funerals.
Gisborne Hospital chapel is always open for rest, peace, quiet and worship. They offer an inclusive religious and cultural space that welcomes everyone of all faiths or none.
Hauora Māori chaplains
Hauora Maori chaplaincy services provide spiritual and cultural support to Maori and their whanau who are receiving inpatient hospital care.
To request a chaplain visit
- Contact the chaplain directly through hospital switchboard (06) 869-0500
- Request a nurse to call for a chaplain.
- Referrals are welcome from the community.
Chaplains will visit the wards during weekdays but can’t guarantee they will see every patient. The chaplaincy team is available after hours for patient, whanau or family requests and for emergencies.