Other Patient Services
Interpreters
A growing number of staff are learning British Sign Language to
help with every day conversation but a qualified interpreter is
required for communication between patient and clinician. Please
let us know in advance if you wish us to arrange this service for
you. Similarly, if English is not your first language and you need
the help of a translator to speak with a clinician we will provide
this service through a telephone-based interpreting service and for
ordinary conversation mainly by members of staff.
The Spiritual Care Centre
The Spiritual care Centre is situated on the first floor near
the bridge. It is always open and is a place of quiet for everyone.
The centre welcomes people of all faiths and beliefs and does not
have any allegiance to specific religions.
Our Chaplains are always available for prayer and spiritual
support as and when required. Anglican, Roman Catholic or Free
Church clergy are appointed by the hospital. To contact any of
them, please call the Hospital switchboard on 365000 and ask for
the chaplain. Contacts for other denominations or faiths are listed
in the hospital staff handbook for the spiritual care of patients.
Please ask a member of staff who will help you.
On Sunday at 11am there is an Interdenominational Service with
Holy Communion for staff, patients and relatives. Helpers are
available to assist patients to and from the Centre if needed. Holy
Communion is also available on the wards. Please ask the nursing
staff to inform the hospital chaplain. Gideon New Testaments are
placed in each bedside locker - please tell a member of staff if it
is missing. Copies of the Koran are also available, together with
other Holy Books, for example the Jewish, Buddhist or Hindu
faiths.
Gardens
Much work has been done to improve and develop the garden areas
in the quadrangles of the General Wing and the Women and Children's
building. A lovely garden of life has been created not far from the
main reception area. The Diana, Princess of Wales garden was
completed in 2004, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the
hospitals opening by the princess who was the Countess of Chester.
A special Japanese garden has also been developed by the Chester
Childbirth Appeal in the Maternity Unit. For patients, visitors and
staff, these are tranquil places for moments of beauty, peace and
quiet.
There are a number of courtyard gardens located throughout the
Trust, some of which are open to patients, staff, visitors and
relatives to enjoy. These include:
- The Garden of Life
- Ward 60 Chemotherapy
- Comfort Zone patio area
- A&E garden
Other gardens which are not open for public access include:
- The Princess Diana Garden
- Royal Infirmary Hospital Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Therapies Garden
Macmillan Cancer Support
The Trust has a specialist Cancer Support Service which offers
advice on how to cope with the problems and issues that arise
following a cancer diagnosis, with practical help to complement the
medical information which is provided. You can contact the Trust's
Macmillan Cancer Information Facilitator, Elizabeth Taylor on 01244
364948. For more information on Macmillan, visit: www.macmillan.org.uk