Thank heavens for Jeanie

Meet Mount Druitt Hospital’s new pastoral care officer Jeanie Meers.

Jeanie has recently been appointed to the position, following the sad departure of much-loved pastoral care manager James Phelan.

Jeanie has lived in Mount Druitt for more than 32 years and loves western Sydney and its residents – some of whom are real heroes to her.

“I’ve worked in hospital settings for many years, firstly as a nurse and then as a speech therapy assistant at Braeside Hospital in Prairiewood,” Jeanie said.

“I’ve also volunteered as a home English tutor with Mission Australia and in pastoral care in our local church; because of my growing interest in pastoral care, I completed an introductory Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Westmead Hospital last year, followed by a Basic CPE Unit, which I have just completed. The CPE is part of a Post Graduate Certificate in Arts, which is ongoing and includes theological and biblical studies subjects.

“My experience working in both hospital and community settings have developed into a genuine desire to care for people facing traumas of various kinds.  I

“‘m really excited about taking up this new position at Mount Druitt Hospital and working with Jeannie Smith and the team at Blacktown Hospital.

“As a pastoral care officer, my role will be to provide emotional and spiritual support for patients, staff and volunteers, going through challenging times or crisis.

“It is about being a supportive presence as people walk through their difficult seasons, while respecting their own culture and faith.

“I will be available to listen to people as they explore spiritual issues and to pray for those who would like prayer for anything.

Jeanie will be at Mount Druitt Hospital every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Thursdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm.