Annual Report 2011 - Calvary Health Care Bethlehem

Calvary Health Care Bethlehem 2010 – 11 Annual Report 24
Our Services
Pastoral Care
and Bereavement
We have a large Pastoral Care and Bereavement
Department at the hospital, that provides emotional and
spiritual support to our patients and families from the
beginning of their journey with us.
Our department had many achievements throughout the
year. In particular the skills and qualifications of our team,
have led us to be recognised as leaders in our field. This
is evidenced by staff being invited to speak at local and
international levels, including an invitation to present at
an international conference. The topic of the presentation
was ‘The Language of the Unheard’. This invitation was a
significant acknowledgement of our skills in this field.
Another accomplishment this year is the fact that we have
been recognised as a leader in training and developing
of students. Many tertiary education providers are
requesting for their students to be placed at our facility
in order that they are exposed to high level foundational
skills in the areas of pastoral care and bereavement.
Music Therapy
The Music Therapy Department continued to provide
services to inpatient, community, ambulatory patients and
an outreach program that is leading the way in Australia.
From July 2010 to June 2011 we supported over 1050
patients across 14 regular programs.
Our Music Therapy Department continues to be the
largest and most well established music therapy
department in Australia. Once again our staff have used a
variety of methods and specialised skills to assist patients
and their family members to experience the best possible
quality of life. This has been achieved through addressing
a range of physical and psychosocial needs and nurturing
the creative spirit in those whose health is deteriorating.
The last 12 months has been a time of growth and
development for the department, especially with a
focus on research and evaluation. The department has
commenced two research projects. These research
projects have provided a greater understanding of the
important role of music therapy in supporting people
during terminal illness and bereavement. Music therapists
have also been involved in the Huntington’s Disease
project by providing a weekly music therapy program.
Creative Connections
Program
With the generous financial support of the philanthropic
community the Creative Connections Program continued
to support families with children who have experienced or
are preparing for the death of a loved one. The program
provides art and music therapy at home, school or at
the hospital. The responsive and adaptable nature of
this therapy provides a unique tool to support bereaved
children in a fun and engaging manner.
We have supported over 36 clients from young children
to youth up to the age of 18.
This year Music Therapy
has supported over
1050 patients
across 14 programs.