RANSON, W.Va. – Officials at West Virginia University Hospitals-East’s Jefferson Memorial Hospital recently announced that a Spiritual Care Services program is being established at the hospital.
Spiritual Care Services at Jefferson Memorial Hospital is a ministry of healing that provides emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, hospital staff, and volunteers. Volunteer Chaplain Associates are currently being recruited to work as part of the healing team in conjunction with physicians, nurses, and other caregivers.
Chaplain Associates will provide patients, families, and staff with the spiritual and emotional support needed when dealing with critical illness. Chaplain Associates will also be responsible for providing routine visits to patients on a scheduled basis, and provide on-call spiritual care for emergency situations.
“We are currently accepting and reviewing volunteer applicants for our Chaplain Associate Volunteer positions,” stated Arlene Fernandez-Anderson, executive resident at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. “Anyone interested in speaking with us about volunteering their time for this great cause may contact me directly at 304-728-1707.”
As part of the Spiritual Care Services program, the hospital will also be starting weekly Sunday Worship services at the Jefferson Memorial Chapel. The first service will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Vicar John Unger will preside over the service which will be a special tribute in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
“On this 10th anniversary, we want to pay tribute to all health care and emergency services providers at Jefferson Memorial Hospital and in the community,” Fernandez-Anderson said, adding, “The public is invited to join us for this special service and help us spread the word throughout the hospital and our community about our new Spiritual Care Services program here at Jefferson Memorial Hospital.
For more information about the Spiritual Care Services program or the worship services, contact Fernandez-Anderson at 304.728.1707 or by email at afernandez-anderson@jeffmem.com.