RANSON, W.Va. - Spiritual Care Services at West Virginia University Hospitals-East Jefferson Memorial Hospital is a ministry of healing that provides emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, hospital staff, and volunteers.
An integral part of the health-care team, volunteer chaplain associates representing many faiths are available to offer spiritual and emotional support, and listen with openness and understanding.
“We recently established Spiritual Care Services at Jefferson Memorial Hospital because we believe that spirituality is important for the health and well-being of our patients and staff,” said Arlene Fernandez-Anderson, executive resident at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. “Research has shown a clear connection between spirituality and the healing process,” she added.
Chaplain associates have received special training to give emotional and spiritual support to those dealing with critical illness in time of need or when requested. They also are responsible for providing routine visits to patients on a scheduled basis, and provide on-call spiritual care for emergency situations or when needed.
As part of continued efforts to strengthen Spiritual Care Services at WVUH-East, Jefferson Memorial Hospital has also established a Spiritual Worship Service every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. This service is held in the chapel, located on the first floor, and is provided by the volunteer chaplains. The service is open to patients, visitors, family members, staff and the community.
“On behalf of Jefferson Memorial Hospital and the Spiritual Care Services, I would like to thank our chaplains who have already joined the program to visit patients and take emergency call,” Fernandez-Anderson said, adding, “It’s been a wonderful addition to our service offerings for patients and staff.”
According to Fernandez-Anderson, chaplain associates are currently being recruited to work as part of the healing team of caregivers at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. Anyone interested in learning more about the hospital’s Spiritual Care Services or becoming a volunteer chaplain associate should contact Fernandez-Anderson at 304-728-1707 or email afernandez-anderson@jeffmem.com.