Chaplaincy and spiritual care

We are dedicated to meeting the spiritual needs of our patients, their carers and families. Our team of chaplains and volunteers provides spiritual care across the hospital.

The Chapel at Musgrove Park Hospital is on level 1 of the Duchess Building, opposite Dunkery Ward. It is open to all 24 hours a day, provides a centre for spiritual life and you are welcome to use it for quiet reflection.

Our chaplains

Our chaplains are available to support all patients, visitors and staff, of all faiths, and none. Where appropriate we can signpost you to groups outside the hospital who share your belief system.

As a team we are committed to the wellbeing of the whole person – body, mind and spirit. We respect personal integrity and can help you to explore your hopes and fears while in hospital.

Christian worship

Sunday – morning worship with Holy Communion takes place on Sundays at 10:30am. You, your relatives and friends are all welcome to attend.

You can also listen to the service on the Apple FM website, or on 97.3FM in the Taunton area.

Bedside Roman Catholic Communion

A Roman Catholic priest or Eucharistic minister usually visits twice a week on a Wednesday and Thursday.

Muslim worship

Muslim prayers – Friday afternoons, throughout summer and winter, at the following times:

  • Summer – 1:15pm to 1:45pm
  • Winter – 1pm to 1:30pm

The chapel is also open for personal devotions. Quran, prayer mats and washing facilities are available.

Ward visiting

One of our chaplains or our trained volunteers visit our wards during the week and on Saturday.

We also have a Eucharistic minister visiting twice a week on a Wednesday and Thursday.

Each Sunday our chaplaincy team visit the wards, so if you are unable to attend the chapel service at 10:30 am, we can pray or offer Holy Communion at your bed side.

Requesting a visit from a chaplain

You can request a visit from one of our team by:

  • calling our answerphone, on: 01823 342515 and leaving a message
  • emailing us at chaplains.acute@somersetft.nhs.uk
  • If you need us in an emergency during office hours (see above), please call the hospital switchboard 01823 333 444 and ask for the duty chaplain to be paged.

Bereavement support

If you would like information and support during a bereavement at the hospital, our bereavement support office is situated on the ground floor at the rear of the Duchess Building. Directions can be given when you call to arrange an appointment.

Baby Memorial Garden

If you have lost your baby through miscarriage, or at an early stage of pregnancy, our chaplaincy department at Musgrove Park Hospital arranges for a burial to take place in the Baby Memorial Garden situated in a small wooded glade in Taunton Deane cemetery. Our chaplains conduct a non-denominational service at 9:15am on the second Wednesday of each month. This will normally be a full calendar month between your loss and the burial. If you would like to attend the service, please contact our chaplains to discuss the date.

The garden is secluded and allows you space and privacy during this difficult time.

The garden has been updated with animal figures which tell a story designed to help children come to terms with the loss of their sibling. The burial will be entered into the records held by the crematorium.

If you would like, you can purchase a memorial plaque inscribed with your baby’s name to be placed on a pedestal in the garden.

Contact Taunton Deane Crematorium

Taunton Deane Crematorium
Wellington New Road
Taunton
TA1 5NE

Tel: 01823 284811