Spiritual Care

Hospitalization can be a time of uncertainty and worry. We recognize that people have a spiritual side as well as a physical side and that both need to be addressed during the healing process. For many, personal faith plays an important part in coping with illness and recovery. We make every effort to meet you wherever you are in your spiritual life and provide an environment in which you and your family feel comfortable practicing your faith during your stay.

Chaplain Team

We have a denominationally ordained staff chaplain who has been trained and is board certified for ministry in hospital settings and is on call at all times day or night. We also have trained chaplain volunteers representing a diverse faith background from local congregations that augment this chaplain ministry.

The chaplain and chaplain volunteers work in collaboration with hospital staff to offer comfort, regardless of beliefs, traditions, ethnicity or values. We are respectful of cultural, religious or non-religious traditions.

Our chaplain team respects all religious backgrounds and personal experiences and they will support you and not persuade you to embrace other beliefs. Our chaplains protect the rights and confidentiality of all patients in regard to spiritual matters. We also welcome involvement of your home clergy during your stay.

A chaplain is available seven days a week. Notify your nurse or other medical caretaker to help you schedule a visit with the chaplain, or call and leave a message at extension 8839. The chaplain is not on site after hours or on weekends, but is on call and available for emergency situations.

Services

A chaplain is available to:

  • Listen, comfort and assist you in seeking inner peace and strength
  • Assess spiritual needs, hopes and resources
  • Offer prayer and meditation
  • Share with your faith struggles and help answer spiritual questions
  • Manage communication among hospital staff and/or family members
  • Provide grief and bereavement support
  • Coordinate with religious leaders or worship centers from your faith tradition
  • Provider literature for special needs such as a Bible or other religious texts
  • Perform Christian ritual such as Anointing with Oil and Communion
  • Facilitate preparations for end of life
  • Other services available upon request with participating local clergy

Chapel

The Bill G. and Connie Spry McLaughlin Inter-Faith Chapel is a quiet room where patients, families and staff can retreat to in stressful times for prayer, meditation, family discussion or consultation.

The chapel is located on the first floor of the hospital next to the main elevators. It is open during visiting hours every day of the week, and can be opened upon request.