"Church could be beneficial in Ipswich Mental Health Hospital."

Dear Getting Better

Firstly, please accept our sincerest apologies for the delayed response time.

We value all of the feedback we receive and thank you for posting your suggestion of the addition of a church service specifically for our consumers recovering in our adult mental health ward.

Unfortunately not all of our patients are able to visit our Worship Centre for reflection and prayer.

However, Ipswich Hospital has a wonderful team of Chaplains from many different denominations who do perform a variety of services throughout the year.

Our Chaplains are available to all of our patients, consumers, families and carers upon request.

While a service is not currently offered in our Adult Mental Health Ward, Chaplains from Brisbane with specific training in mental health care do attend our Older Persons Mental Health Service for a weekly service which includes prayer and song, except during periods of leave.

Attendance at this service may be possible for consumers in the adult ward dependant on their treatment needs, so we would encourage all of our mental health consumers who feel attending a service like this would benefit them in their recovery to let their treating team know so they can discuss the options available.

We have shared your suggestion for a tailored service within our mental health ward with our Chaplaincy and Mental Health Service for their consideration when planning for future activities within the ward.

On behalf of everyone at Ipswich Hospital we hope you are well and wish you all the best for 2014.

Kind regards

Consumer Liaison Officer

West Moreton Hospital and Health Service