Sacrament of the Sick
The priest is always available to administer
the sacrament of the sick to those who are in
danger of death or those who are seriously ill,
or those who are undergoing major surgery.
If the person is already in hospital it may be
more appropriate to make contact with the hospital
and ask for the Catholic chaplain to be informed.
Data protection laws have made it very difficult
for the hospital chaplain to identify
those who are Catholic,
as not all patients are asked if they wish to record
their religious affiliation on their admission form.
In any forms you complete on entering hospital
or any care plan that is offered to you,
please make sure you ask for the chaplain
to be informed of your stay in the hospital
and also include your wish
for the chaplain to be called
to adminster the sacrament of the sick
in the event of a serious deterioration in your health.