When I call upon you, you hear me and give great strength to my soul. (Psalm 138:3)

Pastoral care for patients and relatives

People are unsettled by the diagnosis of a serious illness in their own view of life. They feel emotionally vulnerable as a result of the illness. In crises, many people have realised how fragile life is, but also how precious. The counsellors offer patients and their relatives the opportunity to talk in detail about what is on their minds, e.g:

  • I was a person with a positive attitude to life, and now I have doubts. Can I become who I want to be again?
  • How can I learn to accept my illness as part of my life?
  • I don't think that's fair. Will it come blow after blow? Why is God allowing this?
  • I have a difficult relationship with one of my relatives. How can I reconcile?

The comfort of the gospel

Pastoral care cannot comfort and heal people, but its mission is to bear witness to the closeness of God and the strengthening, comforting power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

  • Pastoral care offers space and time for encounters. Conversations are subject to confidentiality.
  • Pastoral care supports people by helping them to look at and interpret their personal life situation from new and different perspectives and to find new paths - especially, but not only, with regard to the spiritual sources of the Christian religion.
  • Pastoral care can be utilised by sick people and also by relatives.
  • Pastoral care strengthens people through prayers, blessings, church services and the celebration of sacraments.

 

Protestant hospital chaplaincy

We are a team of four pastors who have been appointed by the Evangelical State Church to serve as hospital chaplains at Ulm University Hospital. As a rule, we are on the road every working day in the clinics of the respective area of responsibility and visit the wards. We can be contacted at any time, even in the evening and at night in urgent situations. At weekends, one of us is on call around the clock. If you would like a visit or a chat, just give us a call! Or tell your nurse or carer. They will pass your request on to us.

For more information about the Protestant hospital chaplaincy, please click here.

Catholic hospital chaplaincy

As hospital chaplains at Ulm University Hospital, we accompany patients, relatives and employees. Healing, illness, mourning and dying - these are the most common topics that move patients, relatives and employees. We take time for dialogue and support. On Sundays, we celebrate church services in the chapels of the various clinics. You can contact us directly or the nurses, carers or doctors on your ward can put you in touch. The hospital chapels are places of peace and reflection and are open day and night.

We are here

  • For a visit
    We take time for you, we listen to you and are attentive to what moves and concerns you.

  • After a diagnosis
    Once a diagnosis has been made, you have to decide what to do next. These are often difficult decisions. It may be helpful for you to contact a counsellor.

  • Before an operation
    When an operation is imminent, many people feel uncertain. A conversation can help to counteract this uncertainty, as can praying together. Celebrating the anointing of the sick can give courage and strength for what is to come.

  • When dying
    Dying is probably the most difficult challenge for every person. We are also at your side when you are saying goodbye and dying.

  • In mourning
    Have you lost a loved one in hospital? A personal conversation can be an important bridge for what comes next: the time of being alone, the time of mourning.

  • For relatives
    We are also available for you as relatives to talk to about your concerns.

  • For hospital staff
    We are not only there for patients, but also for you as hospital staff, regardless of your concerns or situations.

You can also find more information at katholische-klinikseelsorge-ulm.de.