A new Spiritual Care Centre – a space for prayer and reflection – has opened at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The purpose-built centre replaces the former Chapel and will offer 24-hour access for people of all faiths or none, providing room for anyone to come and sit, to talk, reflect, pray or simply gather their thoughts.

Ablution and prayer spaces are available for those who need them, as well a quiet and private area for confidential and sensitive conversations. There’s also a peaceful courtyard garden with planting, seating and sculpture, created thanks to a generous gift left in the will of a local Bath man to the Forever Friends Appeal.

RUH Lead Chaplain, Narinder Tegally, said: “It is a real privilege and exciting to be in this new space. It’s important that a large hospital like the RUH has such a centre for people who may be experiencing strong emotions and difficult or joyful personal times. We’re looking forward to working here and providing religious and spiritual care to people with diverse needs from all backgrounds, cultures, all faiths and none. It’s a place where we can offer support, not just to patients, but to relatives, carers and staff as well.”

The new building, which was designed in conjunction with members of different faiths, is located on the crossroads of zones C and D on the hospital ground floor. It is part of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust’s ‘Fit for the Future’ development plan to transform the site and further improve services for patients.

A dedication service will be held in April, and ‘Open House’ events for members of the public and hospital staff to visit and look around the centre are being held on:

Monday, 12th March, 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon; Wednesday, 14th March, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Thursday, 15th March, 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

For more information on events, please email: [email protected]