2010 Statistics:2,589 patient consults. 6,527 visits to patients. Daily Average 25 patient visits. 172 after-hours pages. 34 Staff supported
NCS completed 3 Strategic Planning Sessions with Score
NCS completed 3 strategic planning meetings with SCORE http://bit.ly/fydlD8
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A letter from a patients daughter
God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Dear Larry,
The day we met was a pivotal point in my life, as I am sure the majority of your introductions are. I am generally not a crier. I tried very hard to hide my tears in a stairwell here at NMRH after visiting my Dad on CVU after a AAA repair. As I look back, even though at that point nothing was seemingly awry, the wheels of his fate were in motion, somehow I felt the wrongness of it all and God sent me you. Your voice from above (literally) on those stairs that day was symbolic. You truly are a conduit of our Lord, that moment is testimony.
You met me in the ICU that very same night when Dad aspirated. I had no fear for him that night, or in days to come. You were there throughout his journey to his recovery this past 6 months. All the sedation/intubation, tubes, surgeries, moments of anxiety and questioning. You never failed to ask how he was doing, how my family was doing…how I was doing. Your impact on my life, my Mon’s life and my Dad’s life will forever resonate in our remaining years.
I ponder at times, more so since working here at NMRH, why some and not others? I have always believed God has his plan and his players. Its not up to us to figure out that plan or the players but to be aware of the pronounced events of our lives, what comes humanly and spiritually natural to us at those moments and to accept the presence of those who cross our paths at those moments. Your presence in my life at that time gave me the strength to walk into ICU everyday, to talk to my Dad even though he was not conscious and to move through his trials by his side; holding that strength for him when he could not. Holding that strength for my Mother when she could not. I found acceptance made a difference, created a natural path, after all that’s life, right? I heard you that day. I heard your words, your sincerity, compassion and kindness. You set the tone…I was listening.
There is such a selfishness that is overwhelming at the moment of possible loss or the loss of someone we love. No matter if they are 86 or 2 minutes old. Despite the fact that death is a part of life there are times when there is no consolation for the emptiness it brings. It seems there is nothing that can fill the void. These are the times that hone our skills to love and be loved. The emptiness left in our hearts, in our souls, we should fill with that love and we should share it as often as possible. Your are the epitome of this love. I am so grateful you were in the stairwell that day. I am so grateful you met me in ICU that night. I am grateful for the love you have for the people you meet here at NMRH at their weakest moments and the love you carry for those you have yet to meet.
If ever you doubt yourself, please start at the top and read this again!.
Thank you for changing my life, Larry.
Dr. John Grebe, PsyD. Trinity Associates of Northern Michigan, expresses appreciation of Northern Chaplain Services
Dr. John Grebe, PsyD, Director of Petoskey Behavioral Health (P.C.) “As a psychologist, I have always supported the idea of chaplaincy. However, it wasn’t until my father lay close to death following a recent surgery that I came to fully appreciate the vital role they play in providing care. I recall a particular point in the intensive care unit when the Chaplain tended to my family’s needs. So helpless to change events ourselves, we were adrift in the realization of pending loss when the Chaplain came to listen. The time, prayers, and caring that was offered buoyed us through the worst. Even as our fear eased with my father’s recovery, the Chaplain continued to be vigilant on our behalf. Later, with my spirits lifting, I once again saw the Chaplain, though this time beyond our situation, again communicating the love and care of the divine to another shocked family as life’s tug of war with death was being played out in its next chapter. Chaplains are dedicated colleagues standing in the gap, holding with/onto us in that time when our own strength is inadequate to sustain. God Bless them and their extraordinary ministry. We are fortunate to have them.”
CNN’s Anderson Cooper Presents New Video: Caring for a City’s Soul, a Bold Vision for America’s First Palliative Care Campus
http://www.healthcarechaplaincy.org/about-us/enewsletter/issue-20-november-2010.html
The Palliative Care Campus will be located in lower Manhattan overlooking the FDR Drive and East River. It will be housed in a beautifully-designed, environmentally-sustainable, iconic building that will add grace and elegance to the New York City skyline.
A bereaved spouse expresses gratitude for spiritual support
“Northern Chaplain Services brought such comfort during our darkest hour. It was such a relief to have the heartfelt support and grace they provided to my husband and family when we all needed it the most. It is such a blessing to know that they are there to help bring solace and guidance through their spiritual strength.”
— A Patient’s Spouse
Read more testimonies now, click here
Medical Staff at Northern Michigan Regional Health Services Values Spiritual Care
Linda Sheppard, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Manager Women and Children’s Care Center at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
The Women and Children’s area of the hospital is always thought of as the happy and fun place to be. The majority of the time, it is. When a baby or child is ill or does not survive, it is extremely sad for the families and the staff. There are times when a child has to be transferred to a downstate hospital. When an unexpected event happens, we often call on the Chaplains for comfort for our families and staff. The Chaplains have been extremely supportive of our patients and staff and provide great comfort to everyone. There are times when patients have their own pastor or priest and our chaplains have also assisted in getting them to the bedside and providing that support. They provide a great service to us and are always considered an important part of the team.
Dr. Tim Ismond, MD, Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan
“Chaplain Services at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital provide support for patients and family members who are asking the question, “Why is this happening to us?” Physical illnesses raise many difficult to answer questions about the “purpose” and “meaning” of life. The Chaplaincy Service has been excellent at avoiding simplistic answers; instead, they choose to focus on being a physical and spiritual presence during a time of crisis. I have also referred outpatients to the Chaplain for grief and loss issues.”
Study Finds Early Palliative Care Extends Life and Improves Quality of Life for Cancer Patients
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Issue 17, September 2010
We appreciate your interest and support. Please feel free to send any questions or comments to comm@healthcarechaplaincy.org. Sincerely, The Rev. Dr. Walter J. Smith, S.J. |
