Lakeview Regional Medical Center, a campus of Tulane Medical Center, announced a new partnership with Baptist Community Ministries in establishing its first spiritual care program. The Rev. Phineas Marr will provide patients and caregivers with non-denominational spiritual guidance and support while receiving medical treatment at the Northshore hospital.
According to the American Hospital Association, in 2015, 70% of the nearly 5000 hospitals surveyed provided pastoral care services, up from 53% in 2002. “For many reasons, personal and professional, the last 18 months has challenged all of us in different ways,” said Hiral Patel, Lakeview Regional CEO. “The need for spiritual care and connection is even more important today. I am excited to have the Rev. Phin join our team; he will help complete the circle of care we provide all patients and our employees.”
Services provided by chaplains include listening to patient concerns about their health and care, being present with patients and family during times of crisis, and contacting the religious community and its leaders on behalf of a patient. Chaplains also advocate for patient concerns, provide religious literature, and perform religious rituals to keep with the chaplain’s religious tradition. Lakeview Regional offers a chapel for prayer, meditation, or quiet time on the first floor near the visitor elevators, adjacent to Subway.