Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition, Venerable Trin-lä, has joined the pastoral care team at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Ven Trin-lä is easily recognised by her traditional burgundy robes and warm, welcoming smile.
Her primary role is visiting patients who identify as Buddhist and providing spiritual support.
"I think it's a great privilege to be able to connect with people, and listen to them if they need to talk," Ven Trin-lä said.
"Pastoral care is a very important role because people may not have family and friends able to visit, or they're fearful about what's happened to them and what their life looks like going forward."
"All the pastoral carers, regardless of their faith tradition play that role."
Buddhism is a significant religion in many countries, like Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Tibet, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
"Regardless of cultural differences and language barriers, I can communicate with patients and families on a spiritual level."
"They recognise me and my role by my traditional robes, we can share a smile, I can perform a blessing, and sometimes that's all that's needed."
Ven Trin-lä offers her patients Medicine Buddha blessings on her visits, for healing and long life.
She also performs prayers and rituals appropriate for the time of passing away, assists loved ones to organise funerals or memorials, and supports them in the grieving process.
In the Buddhist tradition, the moment of passing away is a sacred time.
"My role doesn't end at the hospital bed, sometimes it extends beyond that."
"I help people however I can around sickness, dying and grieving."
Raised a Catholic, Ven Trin-lä became a Buddhist later in life and has been a nun for over 18 years.
Ven Trin-lä encourages staff to contact the pastoral care team for support, either for their patients or for themselves.
"The pastoral care team is here for everybody, whether they have a faith tradition or not."
"If someone would like to talk to discuss whatever is going on for them, then we are here."
Ven Trin-lä will be holding regular meditation sessions in the Worship Centre throughout 2027.