Spiritual Care for patients, carers & staff

Many of the questions we ask during difficult times in our lives touch on our spiritual needs: ‘Why me?’, ‘Why this?’, ‘Why now?’

The Spiritual Care Team (Chaplaincy) is here to support you whatever your beliefs or practices. We are not here just for religious people.

It may be as simple as having someone to talk to. Perhaps you need a space for reflection or need some way of marking an event with thanksgiving or tears. If you are part of a faith community we will try to make sure that an appropriate person is available for you.

Our regular team includes people from most Christian traditions as well as Muslims, Hindus and other world faiths. We can contact leaders from other faith groups if needed.

At Gloucestershire Royal Hospital the chapel and prayer rooms are on the ground floor of the Tower Block.

At Cheltenham General Hospital the chapel and prayer room are on the same corridor as the Blue Spa Café. These are always open for your private use as places of peace, meditation and prayer.

Directions to the prayer room in Cheltenham General Hospital - through the pillars entrance, turn left, the room before the stairs to the link corridor, it is on the same floor as Blue Spa. You may also use the Chapel for prayer the mats are inside the cupboard.

We can also supply appropriate resources to help you.

Most wards receive a regular visit from one of our trained volunteers who will be wearing a hospital name badge.

A chaplain is also available should you need to speak to one. Staff on the wards will make contact on your behalf.

In cases of urgent need the ward staff can call upon a chaplain at any time of day or night.

This is a confidential service and we would never share your information with others, including faith leaders in the community, without your permission.

Here for you

Chaplains are appointed by the Trust to provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care to the whole hospital community. So whether you are a patient, a carer or a member of staff, we are here for you.

Support is provided in a sensitive, open and confidential manner, seeking to help people reflect on their lives and find strength, comfort and meaning.

Christian Morning Prayer is shared in the chapels Monday to Friday at 9:00am and Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 8:30am. Our team are also available to take Holy Communion and pray with patients who request it as part of our bedside ministry.

Muslim Friday Prayers (Jumma) is held at 1:30 pm in the Gloucester Prayer Rooms. Please enquire at the office for details about Cheltenham.

Contact information

For non urgent requests you can call at either of our offices where it is possible to leave a written note or you may telephone us. (Please leave a voicemail message if your call is not urgent).

Cheltenham General Hospital

The chapel and office are on the Upper Ground Floor of West Block, next to the Blue Spa Café.

Directions to the prayer room - through the pillars entrance, turn left, the room before the stairs to the link corridor, it is on the same floor as Blue Spa.

Tel: 0300 422 4286

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

The chapel and office are on the Ground Floor of the Tower Block. The prayer rooms are opposite Fosters restaurant.

Tel: 0300 422 6200

Or email the department: ghn-tr.spiritualcare@nhs.net