Pastoral Care

The Pembroke Regional Hospital respects the rights of all persons for their individual beliefs and religious affiliations and is committed to service that is characterized by care, compassion and concern for the whole person, in the spirit of Jesus.

We recognize that physical illness often creates stress and struggle in the personal lives of patients and families. It can be helpful for patients, families and friends to have somebody to talk with about the experience of illness, injury and recovery. The Pastoral Care Department at the Pembroke Regional Hospital is committed to providing spiritual and religious care for those who would like such assistance, including those who are not affiliated with any identified or organized religious group.

When admitted to Pembroke Regional Hospital, patients are asked: "Would you like us to leave your name on a list so that your clergy/pastor can visit you when they come to the hospital?" Only with your permission is your name added to this list that is then available to your clergy person at the hospital.

As soon as possible after your admission you will receive a visit from a volunteer from the Pastoral Care Department. The Pastoral Care Volunteer Visitor will provide a ministry of hospitality and inform you of the resources available from the Pastoral Care Department.

The Pastoral Care Co-ordinator is available to all patients and their loved ones, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Pastoral Care Co-ordinator can be of help when you or your family:

• are upset or feeling stress and don’t know where to turn
• desire a visit before surgery or a medical procedure
• are feeling lonely, sad, discourage, helpless, frightened
• wish to receive a sacrament
• have special religious needs
• need a bible, prayer book, or meditation tapes. These are available for your use while in hospital.
• wish a ritual of healing and health, according to your own faith tradition
• are experiencing setbacks
• experience a decline in condition
• express a need to forgive or be forgiven
• have received bad news
• are waiting for test results
• have been in hospital a long time
• are far from home
• are facing or experiencing loss and grief
• are considering treatment options
• face a difficult decision
• are asking God "Why?"
• want someone to join you in prayer
• want your clergy person contacted. Due to confidentiality, we will only inform your clergy person upon your request.
• need information regarding Advanced Directives and end of life issues
• need emotional and /or spiritual support

Several local clergy volunteer as members of the On-call Clergy Program. Two clergy, a Roman Catholic priest, and a clergy from another faith denomination, are on-call to provide emergency support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Holy Communion is administered daily for Roman Catholic patients through the generous service of one of our 40 Pastoral Care Volunteers. If a patient of another denomination would like to receive Communion, the Pastoral Care Department will assist the patient in contacting their clergy person.

Community clergy, faith leaders and laity complement the work of the Pastoral Care Department. Clergy and pastoral teams are encouraged to visit members of their faith community regularly as they are recognized as an integral component of the health care team.

The hospital’s Chapel is located on the third floor and is opened 24 hours a day. This serene and soothing environment is available to all patients and visitors for personal prayer or quiet reflection.

An Ecumenical Service takes place on the first Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. The Pembroke and Area Clergy Association of which the hospital is a member support it. Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated in the Chapel.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. inspirational and meditative music is played in the Chapel.

Ecumenical Memorial Services are held three times a year to honour the memory of those people who have died in our care and to support family members in their grieving process.

To access the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator from the hospital, dial Ext. 6264. Please leave your name, room number and a brief message. You may also ask hospital staff to contact the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator for you. The office of the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator is located on second floor.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE ADDRESS THEM TO:

NANCY WARDEN

PASTORAL CARE CO-ORDINATOR

(613) 732-3675, EXT. 6264