Spiritual care
Spiritual care can help with the questions faced by patients and their families or whānau.
Spiritual care at Mary Potter Hospice is primarily concerned with ‘being there’ in the broadest sense for patients, families, whānau, carers and friends. It is about sharing the moment, whatever that moment dictates.
Spiritual care acknowledges and nurtures the uniqueness of each person and recognises that, by being human, everyone has a spiritual dimension. Religion is one aspect of spirituality – other forms might include a love of nature, music, or family – anything that helps people make sense of their lives.
Spiritual care is available to all people regardless of their beliefs. Mary Potter Hospice does not impose any agenda, religion or belief system on patients. Sometimes, a patient might like a Spiritual Carer to pray with them, to support them through a time of distress, or simply sit with them. At other times, the involvement of spiritual care may be more formal, such as giving communion or a blessing. Other rituals include blessing a room after death, taking memorial services, and conducting baptisms or weddings.