The last thing most of us want on our Christmas wish list is to be a hospital patient.
Nobody wants to miss the usual seasonal routines and not be at the heart of their family.
Thankfully though there is support available with the dedicated Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Service at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals offering a full 24/7 support throughout the festive period, to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of hospital patients, no matter what their faith.
It is support that the Rev Martin Abrams, Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Manager, said he and his team are “privileged’’ to offer.
He said: “We always see being around and available at Christmas as a very special part of our role.
“The tragedy of sudden life changing events, which are heartbreaking at any time of year, are of course emotionally exaggerated and potentially even more heartbreaking when associated with Christmas.
“For me, and for the whole spiritual team, it is always a privilege to support people at any time of year. Around Christmas and New Year this can involve extra ongoing support.
“Personally, I have often been in the hospital on Christmas Day, which although at times has been for very sad reasons, it has always been fulfilling and I always remember one year when we arranged a very special, spontaneous, relationship blessing.
“For practising Christians, Christmas is of course a significant time for their faith, and we always look to fulfil the religious and spiritual needs of our patients both before and during the Christmas season with prayers, Holy Communion and other appropriate rites and services.’’
Martin added: “We really are a part of the wider NHS team. I think it helps to aid patients’ recovery to know that there are people on hand that can help to meet any spiritual needs they have but it can also be comforting for patients who just feel like they need someone to talk to or somewhere quiet to sit and get some space.’’
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