We recognize that addressing the spiritual aspect of our patients’ lives is an important part of the healing process. Perhaps the best reason for addressing spiritual issues is that many of our patients are religious and utilize their faith during difficult times (such as a hospitalization). Research has shown that in certain parts of the United States, more than 90 percent of medical patients indicate that religious beliefs and practices are ways they cope with and make sense of physical illness, and more than 40 percent say that religion is the most important factor that keeps them going (Koenig, 2013).
Our Spiritual Care department, therefore, is committed to trying to help our patients meet their religious or spiritual needs while in the hospital, and is staffed by one full-time chaplain, two part-time chaplains and ten volunteer chaplains who provide 24/7 spiritual care. This includes helping patients and families deal with fears, worries, doubts and questions that arise in times of illness or trauma.
A visit from a hospital chaplain or from your own minister or spiritual care provider can contribute to healing in many ways. Patients can request prayer, the sacraments or perhaps just a conversation with a minister to help deal with recent sickness, injury or death. You can expect a caring, attentive listener who respects your spirituality, faith, beliefs and cultural background, and one who is dedicated to understanding your feelings in time of need. Although we do not offer regular worship services, the hospital chapel is open 24/7 to offer a quiet place for reflection, prayer and meditation. The chapel is located on the first floor of the hospital, directly across from the gift shop.
Contact a Chaplain
The Spiritual Care office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but chaplains are available 24 hours a day.
To contact a chaplain, please ask a staff member to order a chaplain consult, or you can call the Spiritual Care department directly at (406) 752-1776 or by dialing 0 from within the hospital and asking for the chaplain to be paged.
Additional Resources
For more information about a faith group or a church in our area, please call the Logan Health Medical Center chaplain’s office at (406) 752-1776 for an Area Faith Group and Provider List.
These articles from the Association of Professional Chaplains discuss the positive impact that faith and spirituality has on medical and mental health: