news release
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
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Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce the relaunch of its Spiritual Care Program, which was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has resumed thanks to hospital volunteers and their dedication to bringing it back.
Led by volunteers, the Rev Kim McArthur from St Andrew Anglican Church in Alliston, and SMH Auxiliary Chair Carla Beckett, the Spiritual Care Team works hard to provide compassionate support, spiritual comfort and meaningful conversation to patients in need. Team members attend trainings and meetings with psychotherapists to increase their preparedness and awareness of their mental and physical health.
“Karla is special and the participation of auxiliary volunteers in the spiritual care program has made this possible,” said Rev. Kim McArthur. “The support from the hospital has been amazing. It is an honor and privilege to serve at SMH.”
The role of the Spiritual Care Team does not include promoting any particular religion or faith. Their main role is to listen carefully to visitors, support and advocate.
“Hospitals can be very intimidating. When you’re in a patient room, people feel very vulnerable. Some don’t know what’s going on and are scared,” says Rev. Kim McArthur. “That’s what the Spiritual Care program is about. We go into the hospital, introduce ourselves as spiritual care visitors and see if they’d like to visit, and then the patients start talking. There’s a real connection to our humanity and spirit, whether people know it or not.”
Spirituality can have a profound impact on a patient’s health, yet this is often overlooked in healthcare.
Research has shown that when patients’ spiritual needs are not met, it can lead to a decreased quality of life, increased risk of depression, and decreased perception of spiritual peace. Some research also suggests that people who have a regular spiritual practice tend to live longer, and that spiritual patients may be able to draw on their faith in dealing with illness, pain, and life stressors.
“Spirituality is part of who we are. We are physical, we are psychological, and our spirituality is just as important as any other part of our being,” says SMH Auxiliary President Carla Beckett. “When people are facing the end of life or serious illness, having spiritual support and a strong faith is a great comfort.”
SMH is pleased to see the return of this important program, which plays a vital role in providing much-needed support and comfort to patients during their hospital stay. For more information about the Spiritual Care Program, including how to become a volunteer, please visit www.stevensonhospital.ca or contact Carla Beckett at 1-800-447-4410. [email protected].
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