Pastoral Care

Chaplains respect your dignity and privacy. We do not impose our beliefs or religious practices. We are caring listeners who have been trained to help with your needs as a hospital patient and those of your family. We work with the healthcare team so that your spiritual needs, as well as your medical needs, will be addressed.

Anyone can request a visit from the chaplain—you, a family member, your clergy, your doctor or a member of the hospital team. Drop-in visits to patients' rooms are made as time permits, but the chaplain promptly responds to referrals and requests.

To request spiritual services, you may call directly from your room by dialing ext. 6628 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or simply notify your nurse or another caregiver that you would like a chaplain visit. Evenings, overnight and weekends, your nurse can contact the chaplain in case of an emergency or if you are in spiritual or emotional distress.

If you wish a visit from clergy of a particular faith or from your own pastor, priest or spiritual caregiver of your faith denomination, we will assist you in contacting that person.

• If you are anxious about your condition or an upcoming procedure.
• If you receive difficult news or face difficult decisions.
• If you have a religious, spiritual or existential question.
• If you want someone to pray with you.
• If you are struggling with the meaning of your illness.
• If you are grieving over a loss.
• If you are having trouble sorting your feelings.
• If a sacramental or religious need arises.

All Faiths Chapel is located on the first floor of the Ashtabula County Medical Center across from the X-ray Department. The chapel is open at all times for prayer, meditation or quiet solace. Prayer requests may be written in a book located at the back of the chapel. Prayer requests may also be telephoned to the chaplain's office at ext. 6628.

Bibles are available upon request. Additional religious materials of several faiths are also available from the Pastoral Care Office.