Chaplaincy
A stay in hospital can be a worrying experience, both emotionally and spiritually. We offer care, comfort and support to all.
Services provided
We are here for everyone; patients, relatives and staff. Pastoral and spiritual care is available to everyone, no matter what faith or beliefs are held. We respond to any who ask for us. We also have a group of trained and supervised volunteers who visit the wards on a regular basis. If patients cannot easily get to the chapel services, then arrangements for them to receive bedside communion can be made.
We offer:
- a listening ear at a time of difficulty or crisis
- a space to talk about life, purpose or the meaning of things
- pastoral counselling
- support if you wish to practice your faith or spiritual tradition
- contact with representatives of other faith communities
- prayer support
Contact the team
Telephone: 01284 713771
Reverend Rufin Emmanuel, lead chaplain: 01284 713486
Reverend Stephen Griffiths, deputy lead chaplain: 01284 712704
Roman Catholic priests are also available on request, please speak to the chaplaincy team.
Email - info.chaplaincy@wsh.nhs.uk
The chaplains are on duty Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm
Services and prayers in West Suffolk Hospital Chapel
Christian services: Every Sunday, 10.00am - Chapel stewards are available to collect patients from the wards on request. Please chaplaincy team if required.
Roman Catholic Mass: Every Monday, 12.30pm
Muslim prayers: Jummah every Friday, 1.15pm
Bedside communion - patients who are unable to get to chapel for Sunday worship a member of the chaplaincy team can visit them at their bedside. Please ask a member of the ward staff to contact a member of the chaplaincy team.
Prayers: Monday - Friday, 9.15am.
Opening times
The chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is a place of peace and quiet, where there is a welcome for all. Whether you have a faith or not, the chapel provides a space for you to pray and gather your thoughts.
Volunteering in the Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy volunteers play an important part within the chaplaincy department. Weekday volunteers are allocated to a particular ward, where they visit on a regular basis and can spend time talking or simply being with someone.
If you are interested in volunteering either pop in and meet us or give us a call on 01284 713771.
Location
The chapel located on the ground floor is open 24/7 and includes a multi-faith room, for prayer and worship for all faith groups. For the Muslim community there are washing facilities, prayer mats and a Qibla locator.