Caboolture Hospital chapel is celebrating 25 years of service to the hospital community.

The chapel was built in 1997, after some incredible fundraising efforts by Martin Jonkers and the local Rotary Club.

The chapel is a safe and sacred place for patients, visitors, and staff of Caboolture Hospital of all faiths.

After losing her husband to bowel cancer in 2017, Audrey Choo began volunteering as a chaplain as a way of giving back and now leads the current team of six.

“It is such an incredible privilege and a healing experience to be called on to be with the family or support network of someone who is receiving end-of-life care,” Audrey said.

“To hold their hand and help them walk through these huge life moments is an honour.

“Our wonderful service is in such demand now that there are plans to recruit 12 more chaplains over the coming months to meet the growing need.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chaplaincy service has been off site except for emergencies and the chaplains can’t wait to return to working alongside staff for the Caboolture community.

“They might be stressed because of work or their home life, but you can tell that a listening ear provides the relied that they needed.

“You can always tell when someone just needs to talk, even if it’s only for a quick minute staff will stop by the chapel in times of need,” Audrey said.

“I love seeing them around the hospital after as they always give me a huge smile because they know I am a safe person and that the chapel doors are always open to them.”

The service commemorating the anniversary will be held at the chapel on Wednesday 20 April from 10am to 11am and will include 16 of the 17 past chaplains.

A Microsoft Teams link will be sent prior for staff to attend virtually.