Spiritual care

We recognise that, in addition to medical and nursing care, patients, their families and friends also have spiritual needs. Our specialist chaplaincy service is available not only to our in-patient unit but reaches beyond to serve those attending The Heath Centre, Day Care and those in the community.

The word spiritual means different things to different people. Spirituality is commonly defined as follows:

"A quality that goes beyond religious affiliation, that strives for inspirations, reverence, awe, meaning and purpose, even in those who do not believe in God. The Spiritual Dimension tries to be in harmony with the universe, strives for answers about the infinite, and comes into focus when the person faces emotional stress, physical illness or death." Murray & Zenter l989

So, it is not necessary to have a religious belief in order to have spiritual needs. Spirituality is something within all of us. It goes deeper than what we immediately feel yet forms an integral part of our wholeness.

During illness, questions and doubts arise, some spiritual some not. Our chaplain, Lance Blake,  is here for you whatever your beliefs or life stance. He is not here to proselytise any particular faith but to support you, and is available to help you deepen your own understanding of journey, or just as a friend to walk alongside for a while.

If, however, religion is important to you then Lance has links with all the main faith leaders and can arrange specific support. He is a licensed chaplain within the Church of England (Anglican), is registered with the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy, and is a member both of the Association of Hospice and Palliative Chaplains and the College of Healthcare Chaplains.

To contact Lance call O23 92 250001 or email lance.blake@rowanshospice.co.uk

The Chapel

Sometimes called a sanctuary or quiet room, the Chapel is available to all and has a peaceful air should you want time out to just ‘be’.

The Book of Memories is kept in the Chapel and contains the names of those who have died in the hospice or have in some way been linked with our care. If you think your relative’s name should be entered please call our Matron, Erika Lipscombe, on 023 92 238542. The Book remains in the Chapel for those who wish to visit and is also used as part of our Annual Memorial Service.

Services

Morning prayer and meditation is held in the Chapel on weekdays at 8.50am. Holy Communion (CoE) is at 10.30am on Sunday mornings and all are welcome. Individual Holy Communion is available in patients’ own rooms, together with other ministries by request.

There is an Annual Memorial Service held during Eastertide in the Portsmouth Anglican  Cathedral and at Christmas Light up a Life services of remembrance happen both at The Hospice and at Canoe Lake, Portsmouth. For more details see our latest events.