Pastoral Care

Our service is available to patients, families, carers, visitors, staff and volunteers. Support is offered to people of all traditions and to those who do not identify with a religion.

Pastoral care is for everyone. Whoever you are and whatever you believe, we are respectful of all beliefs and cultures with the emphasis on providing emotional and wellbeing support to you, your family, carers and loved ones. Pastoral/spiritual care is about supporting what gives meaning and purpose to your life.

• Emotional and spiritual support during illness, treatment and times of stress
• A listening presence for exploring fears, worries, hopes and questions of meaning
• Support for families and carers, including during grief and loss
• Mindfulness, meditation and reflective practices
• Coordination of visits from diverse faith and community leaders on request

Emotional and Personal Support When You Need It Most

When you or a loved one is in a hospital or care facility, you might feel anxious, uncertain, stressed, or even relieved and hopeful. While family and friends are important, sometimes you may want to talk to an independent person in a confidential setting. 
Sharing your story and feeling heard can bring relief, ease the burden of illness, and help you cope better. We focus on what matters to you and what's on your mind, offering emotional support and a listening presence.  

Faith and Religious Support

We can help facilitate a wide range of faith and religious support, including specific sacraments, rituals, and other faith-related needs as requested. Visiting ministers, chaplains, and on-call clergy are available to offer this support to patients, their families, and visitors upon request, respecting your individual beliefs and traditions.
To arrange a visit from your faith or religious leader, you can contact them directly or ask ward staff to do so on your behalf.  Please consider Grampians Health visiting hours and talk with the ward staff if you are unsure. 

Ballarat Base Hospital Site

A Quiet Place 

• A dedicated quiet space is available on-site for moments of stillness and calm.
• Whether you are seeking solace, personal prayer, reflection, or simply a quiet pause in your day, everyone is welcome.
• Within the Quiet Space, sacred texts and spiritual resources from a variety of traditions are available for reflection and personal use.
• This space is open to patients, families, and staff.

Location:
The Quiet Space is located on the Ground Floor, Gardiner Pittard Building at Ballarat Base Hospital behind the cafeteria and is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm daily.
After Hours Access (8.00pm to 8.00am daily)

For Patients and Families: Please speak with a staff member who can assist in arranging entry.

For Grampians Health Staff Members:

• Staff ID swipe access is required for entry outside of general visiting hours.
• If you plan to use the Quiet Place after hours, please notify Security so they are aware the space is in use and can assist if required.

Muslim Prayer rooms 

• Female and male prayer rooms with wudu facilities are provided to support ritual washing, ensuring comfort, privacy, and cultural safety.
• Access for staff 24/7
• Patients and visitors, please contact Reception or Pastoral Care

Location:
Muslim prayer rooms are provided on the Ground Floor, Gardiner Pittard Building at Ballarat Base Hospital behind the cafeteria and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ballarat Base Hospital/QEC: 

• Pastoral Care Practitioners offer professional support which is available to all patients, relatives, friends and members of staff.
• A team of trained Pastoral Care Volunteers also offer support to inpatients on selected wards at Ballarat Base Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Centre.
• Visiting Ministers/ Clergy/Chaplains from specific faith traditions are available to offer faith religious support to members of their faith communities. 

Ballarat Aged Care Communities:

• If you would like to see a person from your faith, please ask staff to contact the local Minister/Chaplain/Clergy on your behalf. 

Stawell, Horsham, Dimboola and Edenhope: 

• If you would like to see a person from your faith, please ask staff to contact the local Minister/Chaplain/Clergy on your behalf. 

If you would like to see a pastoral care provider, please speak with your doctor, nurse, or ward clerk. You can also contact Pastoral Care directly on 03 5320 8634 between 9.00am and 2.00pm, Monday to Friday. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and a team member will return your call.

Ballarat Base Hospital 

Staff meditation: 

We offer a 10-minute staff mindfulness meditation designed to help staff members relax, de-stress, and refocus during their busy workday. Monday to Friday, 12.30pm in the Quiet Place. 

Remembering Services: 

All former patients, their families, and friends, are invited to come together with staff of Grampians Health Ballarat to remember those who have died, those we have cared about, and those we have cared for.  

Services are twice a year (March and October) both at the Ballarat Base Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Centre. 

If you wish to receive an invite to these services, please email your contact details (name, address or email) to pastoralcareballarat@gh.org.au.