New Nelson Hospital chaplaincy initiative
Henk Lups has been appointed to a Transition Ministry position. Henk will provide support to hospital patients who have been assessed for the first time as needing rest home or hospital level care on discharge from hospital.
Paul Tregurtha, a member of the Nelson Hospital Chaplaincy Committee says when hospital patients move from their private homes to a residence in a retirement village complex it can be a very stressful and vulnerable time, often accompanied by grief due to major losses in a person’s life.
“They may feel a loss of independence and control, separation from their home and possibly their spouse, loss of regular contact with neighbours and friends and loss of self esteem,” he says. “Such grief can express itself in sadness, anxiety, depression, loss of faith and even a sense of hopelessness.”
He says in many situations this may be complicated by an older person having few family or friends to support them.
Transition Chaplain Henk Lups, is already providing chaplaincy on a voluntary basis within Nelson Hospital, making pastoral visits and building relationships with patients who have been assessed for placement in retirement villages.