Pastoral care

We offer care for patients, their families and friends, visitors, volunteers and staff through: 

• one-on-one visits  
• coordinating visits from representatives of various religious traditions 
• making referrals to other appropriate services as requested (e.g. social work, psychology) 
• rituals to celebrate and acknowledge important life moments 
• supporting people in facing illness, surgery, and end of life care 

Pastoral care is more than just religion – it 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.  

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.  

We can help when you: 

• need someone to listen 
• are facing illness, surgery, or end-of-life care 
• have questions about meaning, belonging, and connection 
• are dealing with existential and ethical issues related to your care 
• feel isolated, distressed, worried, or vulnerable 
• are facing transitions or changes 
• are dealing with death, grief, or bereavement 

We offer a wide range of religious and faith-based support, and can help facilitate specific sacraments, rituals and faith needs as requested. This is provided by visiting Ministers/Chaplains and ‘On Call’ Clergy who offer faith-based support to patients and their family and visitors upon request. 

Can my own religious leader visit me? 

We recognise the importance of being able to access the spiritual or religious care that is right for you.  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. 

A Quiet Space 

A quiet space is situated on-site for moments of stillness and calm. Whether you are seeking solace, spiritual comfort, a moment to reflect, or simply a quiet pause in your day, everyone is welcome. 

This room is available to patients, families and staff alike. It is located in the GP Foyer at Ballarat Base Hospital behind the cafeteria, and is open 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’s 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 

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. 

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. Tuesdays and Fridays 12.30pm in the Quiet Space. 

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.