Spiritual Work in Hospitals

− Help and support in the midst of illness

Sickness and death often make us ask questions, and they cause fear and uncertainty. A talk or prayer can help one to move on.

Hospital ministers are employees of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church working in health care. They are available for personal talks or church rites. Spiritual work in hospitals is meant for patients and their friends and families as well as for hospital and nursing home employees.

Get in touch with a hospital minister whenever:

• you need someone to listen to you
• you want to talk with someone
• you want silence, confession, or to take part in Holy Eucharist
• you would like to be the subject of prayers
• you are facing difficult questions or decisions
• sadness affects you
• you would like prayer meeting or Eucharist for a sick or dying person
• you would like a vigil or to say goodbye to the departed
• you need church rites or preparation for confirmation in hospital

In spiritual work in hospitals, each person's religious convictions and philosophy of life is respected on the basis of freedom of belief. You do not need to be a member of the church to use this service. The staff are bound by an absolute commitment to confidentiality.

There are five hospital ministers and one woman theologian working in the hospitals and nursing homes of Espoo. Staff of the local congregation serve in private nursing homes.

In urgent cases at weekends (from Friday 3 pm to Monday 9 am) you can contact the on-duty hospital minister through the hospital and nursing home staff.