Over the years, patients, staff, and the many visitors to the hospital have enjoyed the tranquillity of the Chapel found on level 7. This is a quiet place in the hospital, open day and night, specially set aside for those whose needs are met by the presence and peace to be found here.
The Chapel is at the heart of the hospital in more ways than one: it is used for private prayer and meditation, for religious broadcasting on Hospital Radio, for concerts of live music, and for worship. Although set in a modern hospital, the Chapel contains memories from Plymouth's past, such as the beautiful stained glass from the Chapel of Greenbank Hospital. Week by week, one can see the colourful floral arrangements created by Plymouth's Flower Clubs, and generously supported by the League of Friends.
Hospital life can be busy but the chapel is an oasis of peace, reflection and prayer. Many take the opportunity to light a floating candle or write a prayer card to leave on the prayer net, giving a visible focus to inner thoughts and concerns.
Increasingly, the Southwest of England is home to people from around the world. Our separate prayer room within the department offers space for prayer and worship by people of other faiths as well as space for private and group meditation. The room provides another area of calm serenity, without religious symbols, and so suitable for everyone, whether people of faith or of no faith. Sacred texts (and other items, e.g. prayer mats) from some of the world faiths are also available.
The Chapel is next door to the department and the Prayer Room is located within the department which also accommodates the reception team, chaplains' offices and volunteers' room . Our normal working hours are 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday. Outside these hours, there is a chaplain available on call from home who can be contacted through the hospital switchboard (0845 155 8155 / 01752 202082). There is also a chaplain resident in the hospital on Sunday's to conduct Sunday worship and to offer Sunday visits and bedside communion (which is also available other days of the week.)