About Our Service
Our chaplains provide professional spiritual and pastoral care, which respects the dignity and uniqueness of each individual and their religious, spiritual, philosophical and cultural values. They are are available to provide holistic, flexible care to patients, families, staff and students.
Pregnancy, parenthood, illness and loss can bring about significant changes in life. Time spent in hospital, away from all that is familiar can be filled with many feelings and emotions. It can be a time to pause and reflect on the meaning of life and significant ‘why’ questions.
You may also have particular spiritual or religious needs during your stay here. Attending to these non-medical aspects of your wellbeing can help you acknowledge and celebrate what is really important to you and also to cope better with change, illness, difficulties and loss.
Our chaplains are here to support you:
Susan Jones: Sjones@coombe.ie / 086 0655208
David O’Connell: doconnell@coombe.ie / 086 8533379
Our Pastoral Care Services
Spiritual & pastoral care for all
Pastoral care is caring for the whole person, spiritually, emotionally and socially. The chaplains are available to listen as a person talks through concerns or personal issues giving rise to distress anxiety, shame, guilt as well as spiritual pain that can arise within a person.
Confidential & sensitive support
Pastoral conversations are part of the holistic care of patients. Information shared is held in strict confidence unless there is immediate risk to life of any person e.g. suicide or violence, or concerns regarding abuse of a child or elder person.
Time of prayer
Times of prayer and meditation can be arranged as the need arise. Mass is celebrated every Wednesday at 1.30pm in the Oratory. Interfaith Services are celebrated on significant occasions e.g. St Brigid’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Mental Health Awareness Day. There is a shared quiet time of prayer Monday-Friday from 7-7.30am. Staff and patients of all traditions and philosophies are invite to unite in peace and community as they pray together. There is a prayer intention box in the Oratory. A decade of the Rosary is recited each day at 12.40pm to pray for all the intentions in the box.
Oratory/Quiet Space
The hospital has an Oratory/Quiet Space for prayer, meditation or quiet on the fourth floor. There is also a space reserved for those of the Muslim tradition to pray. All are welcome to use this space. We ask people not to use mobile phones and to refrain from eating or drinking. The chaplains are available to pray with patients and staff if requested.
Listening presence
The chaplains are available to listen to and offer support to patients, their family members, staff and students. You can contact a chaplain directly or refer a person with their consent. If you are on a ward, referral forms can be used which are located in the office.
Referrals to other suitable services
Chaplains are professionally trained in the areas of pastoral and spiritual care. If it emerges in a conversation that a person needs more specialised care or support, the chaplain will make a referral to the appropriate service with the consent of the person involved.
Engaging with ministers & faith leaders
Reflecting the diversity of our patients and staff, the chaplains can liaise with other faith leaders and ministers in the provision of spiritual care. Visiting ministers and faith leaders must be in good standing in their communities and are requested to contact the chaplains before their arrival if possible, and alternatively when entering the hospital.
Baptisms
Emergency Baptisms can be performed with the consent of parents or guardians. If a baby or adult is in immediate danger of death and it is the wish of their parents, guardian or next of kin that Baptism should take place, anyone who understands the significance of Baptism can provide it. All Baptisms are registered in The Coombe Hospital Baptismal Record Book. If you need a copy of your baby’s Baptism in the future please contact the chaplains.
Bereavement Support
The chaplains are available to provide support to patients, their families, staff and students during times of loss and bereavement.
As members of the Bereavement Team, the chaplains help bereaved parents prepare to say goodbye to their baby by:
Providing a safe and supportive space for bereaved parents to sit with the pain of their loss, to listen to the deeper questions and emotions that are emerging for parents, and if requested to hold parents in prayer.
Providing individualised pstoral and spiritual care, respecting parents’ individual cultures and beliefs.
Facilitating time with their deceased baby in the Family Room.
Providing guidance about choice of funeral or cremation arrangements and completing forms etc.
Facilitating, on request, the arrangements of funerals with faith leaders from different religious traditions.
Leading funeral services or rituals at the hospital, at the graveside in Glasnevin’s Holy Angels’ Plot, or at Mt. Jerome Crematorium when requested.
FAQs
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No, the chaplain provides pastoral care to anyone who wishes to receive this type of care and support while in The Coombe. This care is provided with respect for the beliefs, values and culture of those who engage with the service.
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Spirituality, (slightly different from religion) is understood as how a person connects and engages with themselves, in relationships, with God or their higher power, but also about how they experience connections beyond themselves to something greater than themselves and how they experience daily life or the source and motivation for living. It is that aspect of life that gives a person a sense of meaning. Spiritual pain is the distress or discomfort a person experiences when something is happening in life that disturbs or changes deep rooted meaning or purpose in life. This can occur when life is changing (e.g. becoming a parent) or when a person is sick or experiences a loss. A person may question their values, beliefs and purpose at such times. The chaplains are available to support patients, staff and students at these times.
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Yes we have an Oratory on the 4th floor. We endeavour to keep an atmosphere of quiet here. There is a small area free of seating to facilitate those who pray according to the Muslim tradition.
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Mass is normally celebrated at 1.30pm in the Oratory by one of the priests in the area.
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Yes, the chaplain is available to support staff and students, as well as patients and their families.
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The office is situated on the ground floor opposite Admissions.
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Useful Telephone Numbers:
Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day
Chaplaincy Office: 01 408 5776 or 01 408 5328, Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Medical Social Work Department: 01 408 5617, Monday – Friday 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Clinical Midwife Specialist: 01 408 5200 (speed dials through the main switch) Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Glasnevin Trust Cemetery: 01 830 1133
Office of the Civil Registration Service, Lombard Street: 01 863 8200
Mount Jerome Crematorium: 01 497 1269
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
Browse our collection of patient resources, brochures, and information leaflets—all in one place. Downloadable and easy to access, these documents cover everything from appointments and procedures to maternity, newborn care, and more.
Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
Switchboard:
Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X