In obedience to its apostolic mandate to preach, teach and heal, the Health & Wellness ministry at St Peter’s Erindale utilizes the services of the Parish Nurse to integrate the practice of Christian Faith with the practice of nursing, enabling wholeness in body, mind and spirit.

Parish Nursing is a growing team ministry whereby a Registered nurse with post graduate Parish Nurse training works alongside the clergy in the ministry of caring for the whole person, physically, psycho-socially and spiritually. Emphasis is placed on sickness prevention and health promotion within a spiritual framework.

The Parish Nurse functions as a facilitator, providing, health counselling, education and advocacy

• The ministry is supported by members of the congregation who form a Health & Wellness Committee.
• The Committee meets monthly to develop implement and evaluate parochial and community health initiatives
• The Committee promotes the concept of holistic health care linking faith and health
• The Committee develops the job description for the position and recruits the Parish Nurse
• The Committee evaluates the ministry annually and prepares a report for Vestry.

Some Parish Nursing initiatives include a weekly exercise class, blood pressure clinics, and the establishment of the “Nurses Nook” at the Deacon’s Cupboard, where a team of nurses volunteer their time to monitor clients’ blood pressure, provide health information and link guests who are new immigrants to health services in the community.

Other initiatives include seminars on topics such as, depression, anxiety, living with children with ADHD and Elder abuse. In addition, the Health & Wellness organizes an annual “Walk to Jerusalem” during Lent in which parishioners are challenged to record the miles they walk in an effort for the combined parish to walk the distance to Jerusalem and beyond.

In addition the Parish Nurse makes home visits to parishioners as requested, supports seniors to access services in the community and functions as a referral source to other health practitioners.