Much-loved Rev Leonie takes a well-earned break

Whether it be a blanket to keep you warm and cosy while you wait in ED, the opportunity to pray in a safe and culturally appropriate space or having someone to listen and be a support mechanism at a vulnerable time, the MLHD Pastoral Care team are there and are at the heart of what we do.

For the last 25 years, this team has been led by Leonie White, MLHD Coordinator of Pastoral and Spiritual Care.

Leonie, who is fondly referred to as ‘Rev Leonie’, has dedicated this time to ensuring patients are as emotionally and spiritually comfortable as possible during their time in hospital.

Having become a beacon of hope and support for patients and staff alike, Leonie is now ready to take a step back and will retire from her role at the end of June.

Ahead of this, we took the opportunity to catch up with Leonie and find out more about her role and her experience over the last two and a half decades.

“I began as a Pastoral Care Volunteer in 2000 and was appointed as Assistant Coordinator in August 2003. Alongside this, I attained a Certificate in Diaconal Studies from CSU in 2001 and later in 2006 a Graduate Diploma in Theology. I was ordained a Deacon in the Anglican Church in July 2002,” Leonie said.

“I was named the 2022 Wagga Wagga Local Woman of the Year and it was such a great honour to be presented as such by Dr Joe McGirr.”

The primary responsibility of the coordinator role is to oversee a team of volunteers who provide spiritual and emotional care to patients, their families and staff.

Other duties include arranging visits from faith leaders as and when required and being on call to provide support to those in crisis as part of the hospital team.

“Every day has its highlights as I walk beside patients during their time in hospital as a companion on the road to healing,” Leonie said.

“Seeing a brand-new beautiful hospital (Wagga Wagga Base Hospital) and a space for people of all faiths to pray or come aside during their day and seeing it used on a regular basis brings great joy to my heart.

“Gaining the trust of people who are so vulnerable and sometimes scared is one of the reasons that my job is so rewarding. To be allowed to be in those vulnerable places – sacred ground – is a privilege that I never take for granted.”

The work of a good pastoral care team is so important in contributing to the holistic care that we know is so pivotal to ensuring the whole of the person is looked after.

“The care of our spirit enables the road to healing to be a little smoother and a little calmer. I like to think that the team brings a 'still small voice of calm' to any situation,” she said.

“When staff are stretched, we can spend the time just being with and reassuring patients and their families and answering any questions that they have.”

Leonie’s team also provides practical items such as care packs for those who come to hospital in a hurry, crochet, knitted rugs and beanies for those feeling the cold, and bonnets, booties and teddies for babies.

“We also make up activity bags for children at a loose end in ED either waiting to be treated or with a family member who needs care. These are provided by Friends of Pastoral Care. It often gives someone in the community the opportunity to feel that they make a difference to someone’s stay in hospital if visiting is not their gift,” Leonie said.

Leonie’s last day as coordinator will be on June 30, and despite taking a couple of months off, she will return to MLHD as a Pastoral Carer on a part-time basis.

“I love the work, and it is a part of my role as Anglican Deacon to the hospitals in Wagga Wagga, including Calvary and Gumleigh Gardens. But my stepping aside places me with all the other wonderful volunteers,” she said.

“I plan to travel over the next couple of months and beyond. My first trip will be a tour of the UK following in the footsteps of the Celtic Saints in Ireland, Scotland and England.

“When I return from there, I am heading for Lake Eyre to see the amazing birdlife while the lake is full of water. I love to camp and there is nothing better than a campfire with a good stew bubbling away under a canopy of millions of stars.”

We would like to thank Leonie for her invaluable contribution during her time as Coordinator and look forward to seeing her return to the District later in the year.