​​​​​​​Stevenson Memorial Hospital is relaunching its spiritual care program

PRESS RELEASE
STEVENSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce the relaunch of their Spiritual Care Program. The program, which was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reinstated thanks to the volunteers at the hospital and their dedication to his return.

Led by volunteers Reverend Kim McArthur of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Alliston and Carla Beckett, SMH Auxiliary President, the Spiritual Care Team worked diligently to provide compassionate support, spiritual comfort and meaningful conversation to patients in need. Team members attend training and meet with a psychotherapist to ensure their mental health training and awareness.

“Carla is one of a kind and having the auxiliary volunteers participate in the spiritual care program made that happen.” said Rev. Kim McArthur. “The hospital’s support has been wonderful. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve at SMH. .”

The role of the spiritual care team does not involve the promotion of any particular religion or belief. Their primary function is to provide attentive listening, support and advocacy for visitors.

“It can be very intimidating in a hospital. People are very vulnerable in their hospital rooms. Some people don’t know what’s going on and they’re scared,” says Reverend Kim McArthur. “That’s what the spiritual care program is for. We walk in, introduce ourselves as spiritual care visitors, see if they would like a visit, and the patients start talking. There is a real connection to the human sciences and our spirits, whether people know it or not.”

Spirituality can have a significant impact on patient well-being, an often overlooked area in healthcare.

According to studies, unmet spiritual needs in patients can lead to reduced levels of quality of life, increased risk of depression and reduced perception of spiritual peace. Some studies also suggest that people who have regular spiritual practices tend to live longer, and patients who are spiritual can use their beliefs to cope with illness, pain, and the stresses of life.

“Spirituality is part of our being, we are physical, psychological, but our spirituality is just as important as the rest of our being,” says SMH Auxiliary President Carla Beckett. “When people are facing the end of life or a serious illness, it can be a great comfort to have spiritual support and a strong sense of faith.”

SMH is pleased to reinstate this essential program which plays a vital role in providing much needed support and comfort to patients during their time in hospital. For more information about the Spiritual Care Program, including how to become a volunteer, please visit www.stevensonhospital.ca or contact Carla Beckett at (email protected).

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