Appointments
Appointments are generous in time, lasting up to an hour in length.
Although no patient is made to feel that they have to use all this time, we find that most do appreciate this time in which to talk and reflect.
We don't set a fixed number of sessions but allow patients to rebook appointments as and when they feel it is helpful.
Most come more frequently initially and then appointments become less frequent. Some patients find that speaking once or twice is enough.
Some 'pop back in' occasionally, even over the course of years when things become difficult.
What happens in an appointment?
Patients come to the surgery and book in as all patients do.
The chaplain will call them into the chaplaincy room, welcome them and explain something of the service.
At times we conduct service evaluations, and this requires a small amount of paperwork.
The patient is them invited to introduce themselves more generally, and then discussion of whatever brings them to the appointment will begin.
The chaplain will listen, reflect, and ask a few questions for clarification and understanding.
Time may be taken to explore meaning and value in life, the significance of life events, or to provide spiritual direction. Sometimes prayer will be offered at the end of an appointment.
Further steps and the possibility of another appointment will be discussed.
Currently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all appointments are being conducted by telephone.
Although no patient is made to feel that they have to use all this time, we find that most do appreciate this time in which to talk and reflect.
We don't set a fixed number of sessions but allow patients to rebook appointments as and when they feel it is helpful.
Most come more frequently initially and then appointments become less frequent. Some patients find that speaking once or twice is enough.
Some 'pop back in' occasionally, even over the course of years when things become difficult.
What happens in an appointment?
Patients come to the surgery and book in as all patients do.
The chaplain will call them into the chaplaincy room, welcome them and explain something of the service.
At times we conduct service evaluations, and this requires a small amount of paperwork.
The patient is them invited to introduce themselves more generally, and then discussion of whatever brings them to the appointment will begin.
The chaplain will listen, reflect, and ask a few questions for clarification and understanding.
Time may be taken to explore meaning and value in life, the significance of life events, or to provide spiritual direction. Sometimes prayer will be offered at the end of an appointment.
Further steps and the possibility of another appointment will be discussed.
Currently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all appointments are being conducted by telephone.
