Hospitals as sanctuaries of faith and hope

The Rev Simon Tse says daily broadcasts of scripture, hymns, and Christian testimony provide comfort and peace for patients and families.

15-minute daily dose of spiritual comfort through broadcasting

Healing is a spiritual as well as a physical process. At the United Christian Hospital, patients receive daily dose of 15-minute broadcast of scripture, hymns, and Christian testimony every morning, afternoon, and evening. It serves to lift one’s spirits with comfort and peace. “Arranged by the Chaplaincy Department and Nursing Christian Fellowship, the broadcast includes scripture, recordings of hymns, and extracts from radio programmes,” explains Honorary Chief Chaplain Rev Simon Tse. “We will invite colleagues to share their testimony in future as well.” The broadcast covers the entire hospital compound except Intensive Care Unit, operation theatre and psychiatric ward. Patients are also offered spiritual support from the Chaplaincy Office whose members visit patients upon request for prayer and spiritual guidance as people come to terms with illness and disease.

The colourful German-made glass in the chapel symbolises the move of the soul from chaos to peace and hope, changing from dark shades at the sides to a bright cross in the centre.

Chief Chaplain Rev Charles Yu (front row third right) started a hymn singing class five years ago to evangelise, and invites instructors to teach singing skills to colleagues.

Hymn singing relieves stress

The chapel at the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital located at the centre of the hospital was opened since hospital establishment in 1997. From Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, the chapel is open to patients, staff and the public. Fellowship meetings for colleagues are regularly held for mutual support. Weekly worship session is available for staff, patients and volunteers to worship, pray, read the bible and sing hymns together to seek peace of mind and relieve stress.

Chief Chaplain Rev Charles Yu reckons that the chapel is an important venue for religious rituals, as well as for gatherings. “Five years ago, some colleagues interested in singing hymns often sang together in the chapel. Since then we (Chaplaincy Department) help organise a hymn singing class and invite instructors to teach singing skills,” says Rev Yu. “This is a good occasion to evangelise and help staff relieve stress.” He also recalls transforming the chapel into a memorial corner because of the sudden death of an experienced member of staff. Colleagues could pay tribute and talk to the chaplain to ease grief and pain.