WestCare Health System www.westcare.org
Pastoral Services PDF Print E-mail

People are affected in many ways when they are ill. One of those ways can be spiritually. Feelings of helplessness, loss of control, loss of connection with yourself and others are some of the ways we are affected when we are ill. Our loved ones also have similar feelings when illness strikes.

Research has demonstrated that spiritual care greatly enhances mental, emotional and physical well being. Often in crisis situations, spiritual support helps individuals come to terms with change, loss and trauma. A Chaplain is available to offer supportive ministry to persons in a time of transition and to contact the patient's minister upon request.

A chaplain is glad to help when you:

  • have questions about your faith or
  • about the meaning of life
  • want someone to pray with you
  • are facing surgery or procedures
  • want to connect with a minister priest, rabbi or faith leader
  • when there are family members who are worried about loved ones that are sick
  • when you just cannot think of a reason, but just want to talk to the Chaplain

and you may want to call on the chaplain:

  • when there is a loss:
  • when there are feelings of helplessness
  • when you feel your faith is tested
  • when there are feelings of fear or doubt
  • when you feel out of control
  • when there is worry

You may call on a chaplain when you find a need to consult with someone about any issue or personal concern. Remember it does not have to be a "religious" question, it can be about most anything. Chaplains are available to provide confidential consultation and spiritual support to patients, families and staff members.

Swain County Hospital Chapel

"A place of prayer for all people"

Our Swain County Hospital chapel is located on the first floor off the main entrance and on the way to the main patient wing of the hospital. The chapel is a welcoming place of sanctuary in the midst of a busy hospital and medical center. It is a special place set aside for quiet prayer and meditation for patients, families and visitors. Devotional material an also be found there. A chaplain is available at all times for those who request chaplaincy services. Please inform the receptionist or your patients nurse of your need and the chaplain on call will be notified.

Swain County Hospital

Chaplain Associate volunteers who are "on call" may be reached for you by your nurse or by dialing -0- and asking for the on call chaplain to be paged. The Swain County Hospital Chapel is a sacred space for reflection, prayer and meditation. The Chapel is located on the first floor down the administrative hallway. Our chapel is open at all hours for our patients, family members and our staff.

Support of the Program

We are grateful for the generosity and vision of Mr. & Mrs. WC Hennessee for creating a foundation and engaging the church community for funding the chaplaincy ministry. The support by regular gifts of local churches and individuals help continue the chaplaincy ministry. You may join others in supporting the Chaplaincy with your daily prayers and a gift to WestCare earmarked for the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Department.

Our Mission:

"To provide spiritual support to patients, patient families and staff and helping them interpret the meaning of their experience in relationship to God, while joining with the community of churches and clergy in providing pastoral care."

We realize how important spiritual care is to our patients, families and hospital staff and we want to facilitate the healing influence that faith provides.