More simply, the Anglican Church parishioners are on hand to just listen.

“We just go and visit people without question and we are always there if someone wants a bit of company,” team volunteer Dianne Leonard said.

The concept follows on from a successful program at the John Hunter Hospital.

“There is definitely a need for something like this because our ­nurses are extremely busy, so hopefully we can provide something they just don’t have time to do,” Ms Leonard, of Beresfield, said.

“And we don’t push religion. We just want to be here for people who want to talk and sometimes people like to talk to a stranger instead of a relative.

“Basically, it’s just nice to have someone to talk to because hospitals tend to bring up a lot of emotion.”

Ms Leonard became part of the team as her way of giving back to the community. 

“I am an ex-nurse and I know how busy nurses can get so this is my way of providing a service that the nurses cannot.”

A pastoral care service will be held at the Maitland Hospital chapel on July 9 at 9.30am.