This month, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service proudly celebrated the graduation of three new chaplains who successfully completed their Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). This milestone highlights the importance we place on providing compassionate, holistic care for our patients.
Stephen Bell, Executive Director Allied Health, emphasised the integral role of spiritual care in our healthcare delivery. "The chaplaincy program is really important in providing the holistic care that we strive to provide for our patients here at Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. Alongside the medical care that we provide for patients, spiritual care is a really essential element of delivering holistic care," he said.
Stephen also praised Trish Byrne, our Spiritual Care Coordinator, for bringing structure and support to the chaplaincy program, "Today’s graduation ceremony for our new chaplains really emphasises the value we place on the role of spiritual care."
Trish acknowledged the progressive efforts of Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service in funding this initiative, describing it as "a significant investment in the quality and safety of the Spiritual Care Service for Wide Bay patients."
She added, “As chaplains, we do not preach. By offering patients our presence and our understanding from our life experience, we provide a listening compassionate presence. As trauma theorists tell us, compassion is healing.”
Trish also recognised Stephen's leadership in championing the universality of spirituality and thanked Kim Hanns, our Volunteer Services Coordinator, for her vital support.
As President of the Queensland Institute of Clinical Pastoral Education (QICPE), Trish highlighted the measurable improvements already seen in patient support, professional development, and supervision for our chaplains. "I believe Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service is a leader in Queensland in this spiritual care initiative," she said.
Congratulations to our graduates and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this pioneering program. Together, we are setting a new standard for holistic, patient-centred care.