Question: What kinds of faith services are available to me and my family when we come to the hospital?
summer 2006 – volume 3, issue 3
Don Shields responds:
The Markham Stouffville Hospital features a spiritual and religious care centre and meditation room, which provides an oasis of spiritual care for patients, families and staff. Every denomination is welcome and respected. We help create a sacred place for everyone so they can practice, celebrate, mourn and experience their own unique spiritual beliefs. We’re here to acknowledge the patient as a whole human being with unique beliefs, customs, practices and hopes. People are much more than just patients in the hospital. They are also spiritual beings – sacred souls – if you will.
We see our role, the chaplain and volunteers, as part of the healing process. This fundamental belief extends through all of our programs including one-on-one visits, memorial services, humour workshops for mental health patients, naming ceremonies or staff barbeques. It’s important for people to feel accepted for who they are and we try to provide that space for grace and love within the healing context.
We also want people to be able to connect with their faith and spiritual sides so we offer a meditation room that features a Menorah, a cross, a Buddha, a native healing wall-hanging alongside the Bible. We try to offer something for everyone – something sacred that will help them through the healing, grieving or celebration process. My office is decorated with all kinds of things from the playful to the religious and almost everything in between. We want to plug into people’s lives and provide a special place, a safe place, to allow people’s unique stories and beliefs to unfold.
My role here also involves helping our staff learn about different religions and unique customs. I help coordinate lunch and learn sessions to help the staff integrate spiritual care with physical care.
Our hospital is about healing and healthcare. Part of that healing process is acknowledging, accepting and honouring the spiritual side of every person, every patient and everyone involved in the hospital.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
