Pastoral work in hospitals

Pastoral 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 ceremonies. Pastoral 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 receive the Eucharist
you would like someone to pray with you
you are facing difficult questions or decisions
sadness affects you
you would like someone to pray or share Holy Eucharist for a sick or dying person
you would like to see the deceased with hospital minister
you need church ceremonies or preparation to be confirmed in hospital

In pastoral 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 six hospital ministers 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.

Pastoral work in hospitals (pdf)Linkki avautuu uudessa välilehdessä