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CIRCLEVILLE – Berger Health System recently expanded its spiritual care program to patients, families and employees through a partnership with Circleville’s Heritage Nazarene Church. Together, they are providing enhanced spiritual support services and adding to the patient experience at Berger.
Heritage Nazarene Church is providing staffing for this new program using both licensed pastors and pastors-in-training. These professionals will provide onsite coverage at Berger Hospital seven days a week and on call coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A spiritual care support person can be requested by a patient, family member or friend at anytime by notifying a doctor, nurse or staff member of Berger Health System.
The spiritual care team coordinator is Reverend Bill Jarrell of Heritage Nazarene Church. Jarrell and his team administer non-denominational, culturally sensitive support to those who request the service. The spiritual care program has been designed for all to feel comfortable utilizing its care.
“My role is to offer spiritual care and support determined by the patient and their family,” Jarrell said. “It may be through prayer, counseling, or just listening during a difficult time.”
With this new program, Berger Health System is now increasing opportunities for spiritual and emotional support. This program has become a therapeutic outlet for people during their hospital visits.
Tom Moore and his daughter, Natalie Florence, spoke with Jarrell while Tom was an inpatient at Berger Hospital.
“My father and I appreciated Reverend Jarrell taking the time to visit us,” said Natalie. “His calm demeanor and gentle approach were comforting to us, as my father continued his recovery.”
The spiritual care team services are offered hospital wide. The team members are available, whether you’re at Berger as an inpatient, outpatient for testing, same day surgery, or being treated in the emergency department. Patients can always request to meet with their own spiritual provider within the community.
Jarrell has over 37 years of ministerial experience, and is eager to create lasting relationships with the people of Berger Hospital.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
