Divine makeover for Blacktown Hospital Chapel

Blacktown Hospital’s new Spiritual Care Centre is a warm, welcoming space that anyone can use for meditation, prayer, a private moment, sacred space or read from the Bible or the Koran.

The renovations to the Pastoral Care department were completed in time for the festive season and also comprise of a new beverage bay area, quiet room, new furnishings and a calming waterfall mural etched on the wall.

People of all faiths, denominations, religions and cultures are always welcome at Blacktown Hospital’s Spiritual Care Centre located on Level 3 opposite the Bookings & Admissions Department.

Blacktown Hospital’s spiritual care coordinator Jeannie Smith said the Spiritual Care Centre is a culturally neutral space where people can visit to reflect or sit with a chaplain and talk about their issues.

“Patients and visitors can visit the centre at any time and speak with Father Dado or anyone of our volunteers.”

Father Dado joined Blacktown Hospital in 2013 as a Catholic chaplain. He visits patients in the wards offering spiritual and religious guidance, sacramental support, gives Holy Communion, anointing of the sick, or just for a chat.

“I was compelled to work at Blacktown Hospital because of my beliefs for a religious congregation who provided care to the destitute, sick and those dying from disease or pandemics in Italy in 1590,” Father Dado said.

“Blacktown Hospital is my true calling and it’s the best place for me. I’ve worked at other Parish’s but being here is my destiny.

The Spiritual Care Centre transformation was part of the $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project.

The Spiritual Care Centre will be holding services over the festive period. The centre is open seven days and for further information about the services or to volunteer, click here or call spiritual care co-ordinator Jeannie Smith on 9881 8193.