Rooks County Health Center News
Chaplain Program
With construction underway for a new hospital, the Rooks County Health Center (RCH) continues to find ways to improve health care. The Ministerial Alliance of the communities in Rooks County and RCH partnered to start a chaplain program at the hospital.
The purpose is to help families utilize spiritual resources, promoting health and wholeness, while respecting the dignity of all persons, regardless of religious belief. Pastor Daryl Sherraden, Nazarene Church of Plainville, played an important part in bringing the two organizations together.
“RCH understands the vital roles that faith and spirit play in the lives of patients and their families. Faith is a big factor in how some families handle healing, grieving, and comforting. That’s why we’re working with the Ministerial Alliance of Rooks County,” said Bill Stahl, Chief Operating Officer of RCH.
As part of RCH’s health care team, chaplains are available to assist patients, families and staff in significant ways. The chaplains provide a vital presence throughout the hospital, utilizing the belief systems and faith communities of the patient and their families. They’re available for consultation, listening, prayer, scripture, celebration, communion, crisis support, counseling and referrals. They will visit all patients and their families or staff who request spiritual support.
“Upon admission to the hospital the staff will ask the patient if they would like to see a chaplain. If so, their name is put on the list so a referral may be made to the pastor making rounds that particular week. If a patient would like their own pastor contacted, the staff will contact them,” explained Julie Price Chief Executive Officer of RCH.
Members of the Ministerial Alliance have also agreed to take calls and provide their services for critical needs 24 hours a day. Should someone need a chaplain’s services after regular hours, the program is available. Nex-Tech helped to make chaplains easily accessible to the hospital by providing a phone at no charge for the program.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the partnership please contact, Kathy Ramsay or Bill Stahl at 434-4553.