Healthcare Chaplaincy Program Annual Report

Transcription

1 Healthcare Chaplaincy Program Annual Report Report to our Partners... Grey Bruce Health Services South Bruce Grey Health Centre Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) CGMH Foundation Hanover & District Hospital (HDH) Hanover & District Hospital Foundation Bruce Peninsula Hospital Foundation Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation Meaford Hospital Foundation Centre Grey Hospital Foundation Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce Lutheran Outreach Ministries Toronto Conference, United Church (UC) of Canada Northern Waters Presbytery, UC of Canada Waterloo Lutheran Seminary Southwest Community Care Access Centre... and to our Constituents The Churches and Faith Groups of Grey and Bruce Counties The Churches and Faith Groups of Collingwood, Stayner, and Wasaga 1

2 Table of Contents Report by Chair of GBHCC, Herb Klaehn... 3 Report by Manager of Spiritual Care, Angela Schmidt... 4 Report by Owen Sound Day Chaplain, Roberta Carey... 5 Report by Owen Sound Day Chaplain, Grace Young... 6 Reports by Markdale Day Chaplain, Adam Nickell... 7 Report by Meaford Day Chaplain, Wesley Frizzell... 8 Report by Southampton Day Chaplain, Dwight Biggs... 9 Report by Lion s Head Day Chaplain, Chris Mirrlees...10 Report by Wiarton Day Chaplain, Phil Dwyer...11 Report by Chesley Day Chaplain, Douglas Gebbie...12 Report by Durham Day Chaplain, Wanda Goodyear...12 Report by Kincardine Day Chaplain, Kenneth Craig...13 Report by Walkerton Day Chaplain, Gary Lund...13 Report by Hanover & District Hospital Day Chaplain, Gary Lund...14 Report by Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, Bruce Loveless...15 Report by Grey & Bruce Residential Hospice Chaplain, Kathy Underwood Report by Inspired COPD Chaplain, Robin Seabrook...17 Day Chaplain Statistics SPE Class 2015, Special Events...19 Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council Membership

3 Chair of Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council Herb Klaehn This has been an eventful year for the chaplaincy council. Perhaps the biggest event was regretfully accepting the resignation of Angela Schmidt after 15 years of exemplary service as our Spiritual Care Manager. Words fall short in expressing our gratitude for Angela s leadership, vision, and Spirit-filled exuberance. We wish her well as she begins her new position. We welcome the Rev. Dr. Dwight Biggs as our new Spiritual Care Manager. Dwight, who many of you know, brings many gifts and skills to the table. Dwight is the healthcare chaplain at GBHS-Southampton, a certified chaplain with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, and completed his doctoral thesis in the area of patient wishes for spiritual care at end of life. We are delighted to have someone of Dwight's caliber working with us to provide spiritual care to the people of the Grey/Bruce and Collingwood region. Dwight will begin on November 1st, We are well positioned for Dwight s arrival. Over the past year, we have been working with Avenue A Advertising to create a clear understanding of our identity and a logo which reflects our face accurately to the world. This work has given us words which describe what we offer: meaning, comfort, strength. These words help us to be clear in understanding our vocation and in communicating our mandate to others. The work of the Spiritual Care Manager is demanding. One of my goals has been to remove fundraising from the portfolio in order to enable the manager to do the actual work of chaplaincy, in the place of organizing events to fund the work. We are grateful to GBHS for increasing their financial support of our program and for all of the hospitals, foundations, churches, and individuals who have contributed generously to spiritual care. At our June visioning meeting, we established some clear directions for the program. We talked about the need to demonstrate the importance of spiritual care and to track the spiritual care provided by our community clergy and volunteers. We also talked about the need to recruit ambassadors, who would help to publicize our work. Over the next few months I will be asking council to develop an action plan to address these two important items. It is a pleasure to be part of an adventure which continues to grow and develop. Referrals have grown to the point of becoming a challenge to respond. This tells me that a deeper understanding of the importance of spiritual care has developed throughout the hospitals we serve. This is the result the excellent work of Angela Schmidt, our chaplains, and through the support of the various corporations. I have enjoyed working with Angela and look forward with excitement to joining hands with Dwight as we embrace an exciting future. In closing, I want to thank Patti Wilcox, our administrative assistant. Patti plays a central role as she listens and responds to not only my requests, but to the many people who enter the spiritual care office. I also want to thank the members of the Chaplaincy Council for their imagination, creativity, thoughtful and steady leadership. It is my pleasure and delight to work with each of you. Reverend Herb Klaehn 3

4 Manager of Spiritual Care, GBHS, SBGHC, HDH, CGMH Angela Schmidt Committed People. Shared Vision. Financial Diversity. Strong Leadership. These are just some of the key factors that make the Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Program flourish. Our spiritual care program in hospitals, hospice and homes is not dependent on the work of one person but is the result of a committed board governing the program and placing competent chaplains/spiritual care practitioners with the right gifts and talents in their local hospitals or agencies. Our spiritual care program is financially supported by faith communities, hospital corporations and foundations, denominational grants, and individuals who recognize that when we are experiencing illness we need access to spiritual support. Our spiritual care program is us - all of us - our administrative assistant, Patti Wilcox, our volunteer chaplains, our On-call Chaplain teams, our Regional Day Chaplains, our Funding Partnerships, our Council, Our staff in hospitals/hospice/ homecare, it is all of us, together, making a difference in the lives of others by ensuring quality spiritual care and the promotion of spiritual health. It has been a tremendous honour to work with committed people, who have developed a shared vision, accomplished through financial diversity, under strong leadership. As I make the transition to Royal Victoria Hospital I am very much aware that I have been privileged to be a part of something quite extraordinary and I have each of you to thank. It is time to pass the baton to another Healthcare Chaplaincy Coordinator and watch as the people and the program go from strength to strength. As you read the reports from the chaplains/spiritual care practitioners in the following pages perhaps you will notice mention of the number of years many of these wonderful individuals have been with the chaplaincy program. We have had tremendous vocational stability and have learned that it takes years to develop deep, trusting relationships with the staff of the local hospitals, hospice and Palliative Care Outreach Team. Once that trust is established we have found that care of staff - caring for the soul of our institutions and those employed - becomes an essential part of the job description of our chaplains. Caring for staff, listening, supporting them during or following a crisis, offering memorial services, are just some of the ways our chaplains come alongside as support. We offered an extended Supervised Pastoral Education (SPE) Unit from September March 2015 at GBHS - Owen Sound with seven students. Many of these individuals are completing their graduate education in theology or spiritual care and psychotherapy. They were placed in units across the organization and some of the rural sites. This program, offered since 2008, has continued to grow. This year a graduate course through Wilfrid Laurier University was embedded into the unit and taught by Rev. Dr. Dwight Biggs and myself. Two of our GBHS- Owen Sound volunteer chaplains also joined the course and one community member. 4

5 In there were many projects we accomplished, such as, establishing our website and developing our logo; there were new opportunities and partnerships, notably, participation in the INSPIRED program offering spiritual care to COPD patients as they return home; and there were numerous opportunities to present at national conferences about our program or SPE curriculum. We completed our by-law revision and established our Charity Continuance, have welcomed new chaplains, including Rob Henderson and Robin Andres, and have taken the first step in vision planning for the next five years. As I complete my tenure with Grey Bruce Health Services and the Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council I am reminded of the words from Julian of Norwich, And all will be well, and all will be well, in all manner of things, all will be well. With gratitude, Dr. Angela Schmidt GBHS-Owen Sound Day Chaplain Roberta Carey As you are all aware, I retired from Day Chaplaincy at the end of June of It has been a decade of Learning through the example of patients with whom I journeyed; from the dedicated chaplains with whom I worked; and through the courses and workshops in which I participated. Joy in celebration when oncology patients leave treatment cancer-free; and the joy of friendship with so many wonderful people, chaplains, nurses and doctors, staff and volunteers at the hospital. Sorrow when patients with whom I have journeyed, some for many years, die; when families of patients are in crisis; or on those occasions when I maybe was less attentive to a patient s need than I could have been. Support especially from Angela, the other chaplains, particularly my buddy Grace, without all of whose prayers and advice I could not have survived the stress over the years; for the hard work of the office secretaries who make our work easier; and for the support of the Chaplaincy Council, who realizes the importance of ongoing education and spiritual support for the chaplains. Thankfulness for the many blessings I have received over the years, and for the opportunity given to me to work with so many wonderful, spiritual, and dedicated people; for the family they have become for me. It was not without many months of discernment that I made, what was for me, a very difficult decision to retire, but I am grateful that as an On- Call Chaplain, I can still be of some service to patients and their families, and at the same time maintain contact with my hospital family. Blessings on you all. 5

6 GBHS-Owen Sound Day Chaplain Grace Young It is a privilege to be a Chaplain at the Owen Sound Hospital. I have been blessed over the past nine years to share this experience with Roberta Carey, our Volunteer Chaplains, and Angela Schmidt, our mentor, leader, and confidante. To walk with people on their journey has been rewarding. I am humbled that patients, family, and staff allow me into their space as they share their stories and confide in me their hurts and fears. This year it has been a blessing to be involved in the Inspired Program for patients with COPD who are followed in their home when they leave the hospital. I ve enjoyed the visits and being part of their care in the community. I continue to learn from the hospital team when I attend Unit and Palliative Rounds, family conferences, and educational events. I also learn from my fellow Chaplains when we meet together for our monthly supervision. You are a rich resource and blessing! Thank you Angela, Patti, and Council for your continued support and guidance. GBHS-Markdale Day Chaplain Adam Nickell It has been a privilege to serve as Day Chaplain at Grey Bruce Health Services Markdale, since September of My experiences at Markdale continue to reinforce the wisdom and need of offering spiritual care to the patients and staff alike. Recently we have received the news of Chaplain Angela s transition from us. She will be truly missed and I wanted to personally thank her in writing for her mentoring, encouragement, and gracious support. I continue to make each Tuesday of the week my main day for visiting. Rounds take place at 11am at Markdale. Apart from patient visits (which have included many spiritual conversations, support and prayer) I have also been able to have many short chats with staff. My short visits with staff are either initiated by me touching base with an individual or sometimes a staff member would ask to talk with me sharing a prayer request or perhaps a personal concern. I ve had prayer with a staff member who lost a close family member as well as just helping to carry the load of a staff member dealing with a family crisis. I am grateful for many of the staff who see me as a person they can talk to as well. 6

7 I ve also been able to give a couple new clergy orientations at the Markdale site just going over the basics with a minister new to the area and to the hospital. I was also able to attend the re-branding session with the Chaplaincy Council this past year. That was a great session to be a part of and to witness the process and the thinking behind the rebrand. I attended the Markdale Hospital Foundation meeting with Angela this past year and also was able to attend the retirement celebrations of two staff members and was asked to say the blessing for the meal at both occasions. Plans were also revealed this past year for the new facility to be built at Markdale and I was so pleased to see plan for both a chapel and office space/ meeting room for the chaplain. This reveals the hard work done in the past as spiritual care was made a priority at Markdale and it was very encouraging to hear the planners actually mention the chaplain and office space directly at a meeting at the hospital. This to me indicates just how integrated spiritual care is at the Markdale site. I will close my report with a couple stories that reflects the reason GBHS has a chaplain at the Markdale site. A number of months ago I was called to the bedside of a palliative patient on the request of a loved one. I was able to visit with the patient, his partner, and some friends for a good long while as we talked both to and about the person dying. I wanted to report that this month I received a beautiful 5 page thank you letter from the patient s friend who was so appreciative of that visit and how she believed it greatly helped the person die peacefully. I was encouraged by the letter and she also wanted me to come to the home of the man who died to lead a memorial service for his family and friends who will gather. I was able to do that for them this past summer. Then this past May, I spent quite some time with a patient who was hospitalized following the traumatic death of her husband (She was with him at home when he died and ended up lying beside him unable to get up by herself for over 12 hours!). I was able to offer her grief and trauma support as well as funeral planning. I was able to help out at her husband s funeral as well. Again, these two stories just speak to the importance of a Chaplain in the hospital. 7

8 GBHS-Meaford Day Chaplain Wesley Frizzell I provide spiritual care to patients, staff, and occasionally to outpatients at GBHS-Meaford. I am mandated to serve in that capacity for 19 hours/month. I often attend bullet rounds with the interdisciplinary team. Attending rounds is helpful to know where patients are at and I often receive referrals at these meetings. There are 2 separate Ministerials connected with the Meaford Hospital, they are Meaford and Thornbury/ Clarksburg. I aim to meet with each of these groups once a year to give updates, offer help and answer questions. Some of my chaplain experiences from the last year: I was able to connect pastors to patients at their request, and pray with many. One day, the Charge Nurse came to find me when a palliative patient died. She thought the family might like a prayer or something. I went to see them and talked a bit and prayed with them. They were appreciative, which I relayed to the nurse. Upon the retirement of our Charge Nurse, I (and many others) told her we would miss her. She was very supportive of me and of Spiritual care. She helped to make a great work environment. Offering spiritual care support to staff has been particularly important this year. December was a challenging month with the sudden death of a staff member. I led a memorial service for staff to honour her and provide a place for their grief. There were many positive comments on the service, so it was helpful for hospital staff family. There were about 70 in attendance, including the late staff member s two adult children. Numerous staff members were diagnosed with serious disease/illness. All had asked for prayer. I feel very supported by our wonderful Program Director, Martha. She keeps me informed about changes and challenges with regard to the site. Martha asked me to come with her one day, to see a patient who had made a significant donation to the hospital. She had some concern whether patient was giving freely or felt compelled because he was receiving care. It was good to be used in this capacity as a team member. Everything seemed to be on the up and up. Overall I feel the chaplaincy program is very well integrated and received at Meaford, and serving the patients and staff well. I count it a joy and privilege to serve the Meaford Hospital community in this way. Thanks again to Angela for her continuing guidance and support. 8

9 GBHS-Southampton Day Chaplain Dwight Biggs In the theological reflection portion of my doctoral dissertation I described the importance of having compassion when caring for those who are dying. I think the idea of having compassion could certainly be translated into the broader spectrum of spiritual care and definitely in the work we do through the chaplaincy ministry. Historically and pastorally, I have come to define compassion as coming alongside a person in his or her suffering. As I reflect on another year of chaplaincy I believe this definition fits well with the ministry I offer by the grace of God through my work at the hospital in Southampton. Patients I have had the opportunity in the last year to come alongside numerous patients during their journey in the hospital. If they are in the hospital, these people are obviously facing some sort of suffering in their lives, whether big or small, that needs to be addressed through the healthcare system. As a chaplain, I find it a great honour to walk alongside patients in their time of suffering. With God working through me, I am the listening ear a patient needs, and the metaphorical supportive shoulder to cry on. I am the pastoral companion who might help them sort through the confusion of what they re facing and help them know God s presence and guidance for their lives. I have discovered during my five years of this ministry that my life has been touched in just as many significant ways that I m hoping the patients lives have been touched through my role as a chaplain. Family Members At the same time I also realize that patients are seldom the sole sojourners of a hospital stay. They may be the patients in the hospital bed, but as family and friends gather around their bedsides I am reminded how illness also reaches beyond the life of the patient and touches the lives of family and friends as well. As I ve come alongside many patients in their suffering over the last year I have also been granted the opportunity to journey alongside many family members and friends who were visiting their loves ones. In this way I continue to be reminded how the spiritual care we offer families and friends is important. It enables them to find the strength to support their loved one who is in the hospital bed. Staff I have come to appreciate how much my presence means to the hospital staff who also come alongside patients and families. I have come to appreciate how demanding and stressful the staff s work is as they care for patients and families. It is my hope that my occasional presence with them as the chaplain at the hospital is a reminder that they have someone who is there for them. I also take this opportunity to thank the many people who support the chaplaincy and enable this ministry to occur at the hospital. Special thanks to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Women s Auxiliary of the hospital for their prayers, friendship and financial support of this position. Many thanks to our 9

10 .. Southampton Day Chaplain Dwight Biggs cont d Chaplaincy Coordinator, Dr. Angela Schmidt whose encouragement and guidance of this ministry are always appreciated. And a special thanks to the hospital site director Donna Chappelle who supports me and this ministry at the hospital. Donna, I believe, truly lives out her call to be a compassionate leader as she too comes alongside the staff in their work, is seen at rounds, visits with patients, and regularly spends time connecting with people throughout the hospital. It has been a tremendous year of blessings in this ministry. My prayer is that all of us offering care through the healthcare system will continue to be blessed with the gifts we need so lives will be touched and healed as God s grace works through us. GBHS-Lion s Head Day Chaplain Chris Mirrlees In 2014 I was able to see approximately 60 patients, an average of just over 1 per week. While that number seems low, it should be noted that the Lion s Head hospital is only funded for four beds, and there was a period of time a month long where no patients were admitted to visit. Nonetheless, significant visits did occur, by significant I mean ones that highlight the importance of chaplaincy work. I have been at the side of those who are dying, and assisted family members who were struggling with the pain and suffering of loved ones. One in particular that I will not soon forget was sitting with the spouse of a gentleman suffering and losing his battle to cancer. Both she and he were wanting things to end, so that his suffering would be over. I remember being with her, listening to her in the family room at Lion s Head, and praying with her that God would be merciful and end the suffering that was ongoing for several weeks. The next day I saw the woman in our community and she told me that right after we prayed she went to see her husband, and he passed away almost immediately. She was grateful for my support and prayers. It was significant for this patient s family member that his suffering was alleviated and the support provided during this time was appreciated. Thus far in 2015 the hospital has been typically low in admissions, but some of the visits have been just as significant as the one mentioned above. I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve as chaplain to the hospital in Lion s Head. 10

11 GBHS-Wiarton Day Chaplain Phil Dwyer In November, the Wiarton Hospital started a new patient program called complex continuing care (CCC) for patients who needed rehabilitation but had underlying medical issues that prevented them from going into a standard program. The program started with four beds in November and was at capacity with ten beds by April. Patients come from all over Bruce and Grey Counties. The length of stay can be from one month to as long as five to six months. The goal of the program is to have the patients return to their homes. The patients daily receive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and play therapy along with the necessary medical support. As Chaplain, I usually see these patients two to three times a week. Because of their length of stay, quite frequently relationships are built. On some occasions after praying for patients, I have had them turn around and pray for me. It is a humbling experience to receive when one is used to giving. One patient was in the hospital for about six months. I met him the day he arrived. I introduced myself to him and he very quickly told me he was an atheist. I told him I wasn t here to convert him and that I would drop by and say hello when I was in the hospital. He thought that would be fine. As time went by, we did build a relationship and end our visit by saying I ll say a quiet prayer for you at home. One day this patient had to be transported to another hospital for a medical procedure and he was quite frightened. When I came into his room he quickly said, Would you please say a prayer for me. On my next visit, he told me that he now had three people looking out for him; his grandfather, his mother both who were deceased and me. He said he was starting to change his mind about God. Sometimes amazing things can happen when we care for people, get out of the way, and let God enter into the relationship. 11

12 SBGHC-Chesley Day Chaplain Douglas Gebbie Chaplaincy work at SBGHC-Chesley involves regular visitation, weekly worship services, being the on call chaplain, and being the contact person for local clergy. Scheduled visiting is done in the evenings on Sundays and Thursdays. Since the majority of the patients/clients are in the Restorative Care Unit and are busy during the day, evenings work best. It also means that people who do not have visitors get the opportunity to speak to someone. Other visits are arranged or develop out of these scheduled times. The weekly services are held on Thursdays. They are non-denominational and comprised of a responsive reading, prayer, Scripture, devotional, prayer, responsive reading, and reciting the Lord s Prayer: a High Church form with Low Church content. Attendance is, of course, voluntary and is always appreciated. There is not much on call work at Chesley. Most people who want a clergyperson in an emergency know whom they want. Sometimes, I have been asked in to hold the fort until that person gets to the hospital. Other times, someone has asked for or been asked if they wish a chaplain. Living five minutes walk from the hospital makes being there easy. Uncertainty regarding the future of the Restorative Care Unit at the Chesley site has taken up much time over the last year, listening to the worries of patients, family members, and staff. How the future of the RCU will affect the hospital, and the ministry of chaplaincy in it, is yet to be seen. In closing, I should say something about Supervision. I leave the meetings encouraged, consoled, and challenged, and with an ever increasing respect for my friends and colleagues in chaplaincy. My continued thanks to Angela and the day chaplains of Group South. SBGHC-Durham Day Chaplain Wanda Goodyear As I sit and reflect on the past year, I recognize that I have been truly blessed to have the connection and support of all my fellow Chaplains. It is a great feeling to know you have a great support system. Durham site continues to be a very busy hospital, with a new state of the art laboratory that just opened in July. Doctors retired, but their practices have been filled. What a blessing for the town. I have had many wonderful connections with patients and staff. I have been in the area for some time, and people recognize me when I visit. I feel that this is a positive advantage, that I am not so much a stranger. It is a very humbling experience to be with someone in their time of need; at times family members need a smiling face and a kind word or prayer. This is a blessing in my life, to be able to minister to staff, patients, and family. I would like to thank my supervisor, Angela Schmidt, and the Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council for this wonderful opportunity. 12

13 SBGHC-Kincardine Day Chaplain Kenneth Craig Families work best this way. Dogs pull best this way. More goals are achieved in sports this way. This way is, of course, as a team rather than as individuals. This is how, and what, I feel about being a chaplain at the Kincardine site (South Bruce Grey Health Services). Yes, there are some areas of conflict. Yes, there are time demands. Yes, there are areas of care where I am not welcome or sometimes not sure of my role. Yes, there are spiritual barriers and cultural barriers and philosophical barriers to fulfilling my role. Yes, there are times when I don t want to be a part of the team but then I discover that it is I who is misinformed, mistaken, or misplaced in my dreams and aspirations. I have a team of colleagues that share my troubles and my joys. I have a team of nurses that are a treat to work with. I have a director of nursing care who, as a part of a larger team, looks out for my back. I have a supervisor that, once again as part of a larger team, scans the horizon for trends and dangers and best practices. I have a body of people that pray for me on a regular basis. I may think that I have the weight of the world on me as I approach another time of providing spiritual care, I may think that I do not have the ability to carry on, I may think that no one really needs or appreciates me. Let me tell you, it is at times like that that my thinking is all wrong. I am only a little part of a big team that, as we each do our part, works best, pulls best, and achieves goals best as a team. Go Team!!! SBGHC-Walkerton Day Chaplain Gary Lund Being a spiritual care provider has many spokes and it is an honour to be a spiritual care provider to all who would need and like comfort and peace of mind. Listening to each individuals story and how we become connected is a wonderful experience. I love what I do and I am blessed to be doing it here at Walkerton Care Facility. I am into the SBGHC - Walkerton site twice a week to support patients and family members. I connect with the community clergy several times a year. While at the hospital, I try to get to all departments within the facility such as, birthing, purchasing, laundry, house-keeping and emergency to build a relationship with staff. I have been well supported by management and staff at SBGHC Walkerton, which has been a real blessing. In addition I have been supported by the Walkerton Ministerial. We converted the quiet room to a spiritual care room this year and it serves also as office space for myself and the community clergy. Several times during the year I was informed by nursing of cases of palliative patients who would need the 13

14 .. Walkerton Day Chaplain Gary Lund cont d assistance of spiritual care provider. In most all cases I would minister to the families as well as the patients. End-of-life is a time in which we as a spiritual care provider can make a positive difference to all involved. Quite a number of times this year I followed up with patients who had transferred to SBGHC - Chesley at the request of the patient. Each month we have a supervision meeting in Chesley to discuss issues and concerns at our chaplaincy charges. This continues to be a productive and positive learning experience. It is a time to share ideas and how to build on our skills as a spiritual care provider. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Dr. Angela Schmidt for her full support, leadership, and encouragement as well as Rev. David "Doug" Gebbie for filling in for me at Walkerton in my absence. Hanover & District Hospital Day Chaplain Gary Lund I had the pleasure of working with a professional and skilled staff who kept me in the loop for any situation that may occur where spiritual care could be of a benefit to the patient and or their families. Many times during the year I was informed by the nursing staff of cases of palliative patients who would need the assistance of spiritual care provider. Charge nurse Sherri continued to be of valuable assistance to me in these cases. End-of-life is a time in which we, as a spiritual care providers, can make a positive difference to all involved. Being bedside with the dying patient and consoling the families when needed was a primary focus when called on. At some point in my shifts each week at HDH, I try to get to all departments within the facility such as, engineering, laboratory, outpatient, housekeeping, and emergency departments. As one of my last duties at HDH for 2014, I gave a short talk on spiritual care at the memorial service at HDH. I find this a good time to be with the immediate families and relatives of those persons who have passed. I was blessed with great support from the nursing staff as well as the doctors at HDH. Great bunch of professionals to be associated with. My year at HDH seemed to be repeat of the year before. I had to go back for a second eye surgery for my glaucoma,, which was done in 2013, but the surgery was unsuccessful. As a result, I was out of the hospital for three (3) months - January, February and March. The good news was that the surgery was a success this time. These issues with my eyes left me without the ability to drive to HDH. So I went from a two (2) day a week schedule to a single day doing a four (4) hour shift each week. I was able to contract a driver to drive me to and from HDH each week. I also took my name off the "on-call" availability and had local clergy cover for those emergency cases. 14

15 Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Day Chaplain Bruce Loveless I have been the chaplain in the Collingwood hospital for almost 8 years. At 70 hours each month, I visit up to 150 patients and families each month. Spiritual care is now recognized by hospital staff as a key component of the holistic care of the patient. I am also a member of the Pastoral Care Committee, which is responsible for providing a network of support to meet the spiritual concerns of the patient, their families and as appropriate hospital staff and volunteers. It provides a link to the clergy within the catchment area of the hospital. The frequent communication with the clergy includes Lay Leadership Training for parishioners, an annual Hospital Memorial Service and clergy training seminars, and the orientation of new community faith leaders to the hospital. The Pastoral Care Committee also oversees the On-Call Chaplain Team at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. Many of the calls are for healthcare emergencies such as skiing accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and end-of-life care. One personal visit which impacted me was a man I met in his 60 s who had received a terminal diagnosis. His wife was very distraught after receiving this news and the patient was in shock. I spent a long time at the bedside and said I would also visit at home, if they so desired. However, he died shortly after he was discharged. I was asked to officiate his funeral and met his two sons. Obviously, they could not absorb the impact of the situation and were grieving. During the funeral service, I explained that faith is something we hold onto, even when we don t understand. They all commented that my words were helpful to them, to commence their new life outlook without Dad. The magnitude of human suffering versus the joys of life, never cease to amaze me. I am grateful to be asked to share hope with others, in the midst of their challenges and life circumstances. Grey & Bruce Residential Hospice Chaplain Kathy Underwood I returned to my role as the Residential Hospice Chaplain in late June 2015 following a year-long absence. I am deeply grateful for the many chaplains who made it possible for me to spend important time with my parents as they were dying, as well as to complete the requirements of the Masters of Divinity in May I specifically wish to thank Rob Henderson, Lisa Beattie, Mona Goulette and Angela Schmidt for their skills, energy and compassion that they shared with hospice clients and their families as well as staff and volunteers during my absence. Many changes occurred during my absence including the implementation of computerized documentation and the ability to access information about clients when I am not physically in the hospice. This improves my ability to stay updated on the clients health status and needs on the days when I am not visiting. In future reports, I hope to be able to provide more information about the faith traditions of 15

16 .. Hospice Chaplain Kathy Underwood cont d clients including how many arrive at the hospice with an active involvement to a Grey-Bruce congregation. My practice is to ask clients permission that I notify their congregation of their admission. Currently I am in the hospice twice weekly (based on our contract of up to six hours per week) or more often upon request. Between June 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015, 92 clients passed through the residence. Of these, approximately 50% came from areas of Grey-Bruce that were not Owen Sound. My goals for this year are: Developing relationships with as many ministerial associations as possible as well as with the Owen Sound Muslim Association and traditional Anishnabe elders from Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker), Saugeen First Nation and M Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre (Owen Sound). Finding ways to more effectively provide spiritual care and support to staff (beyond our monthly debriefing/sharing circles). I am deeply indebted for the ongoing privilege of accompanying people with their families and loved ones in their last days of life. Most times I feel that I am the one who gains the most perhaps Quaker and singer-songwriter, Carrie Newcomer, says it best: I will bring a cup of water it s the best that I can do In the dusk of coming night, there is evidence of light With the pattering of rain, let us bow as if in grace Consider all the ways we heal, and how a heart can break. Oh, abide with me where it s breathless and it s empty. Oh abide with me, and we ll pass the evening gently. Stay awake with me and we ll listen more intently to something wordless and remaining, Sure and ever-changing in the quietness of now. Let us ponder the unknown, what is hidden, what is whole And finally learn to travel at the speed of our own souls There is a living water, a Spirit cutting through Always changing, always making all things new There are things I cannot prove and yet still somehow I know It s like a message in a bottle an unseen hand has thrown You don t have to be afraid, you don t have to walk alone I don t know but I suspect that it will feel like home. Oh, abide with me.. 16

17 Inspired COPD Outreach Program Chaplain Robin Seabrook Regarding my work with the INSPIRED program, specifically working with clients who have end stage COPD, I have found that in the last few months it has brought new understanding to the words, patient and client. I have worked with four different people and I have found a wealth of knowledge simply by being invited into their homes. Having worked in long term care and hospice prior to this work I have found institutions to be the great levelers of humanity. They are sterile, conforming environments that do not necessarily take into account a person s preferences and personal goals. They do not address or acknowledge a person s level of finance/ poverty and personal habits. They do not usually have room for family and the dynamics this brings. Being invited into someone s home brings a wealth of knowledge into a client/spiritual care provider relationship that would not normally be there. Given this level of intimacy that is already present it is far easier to go deeper in introducing sensitive topics and subject matter that sometimes might require a longer acquaintance with a client. The topics that I have discussed with clients include their personal wishes, during hospital stay their wishes on care, including first responder care and their wishes upon death. In Healthcare, we call this Advanced Care Planning. I have also discussed their spiritual needs and thoughts with them, their feelings on God and the capacity She comes and works in, forgiveness, afterlife and the fear or reprisal when guilt or shame of a life lived is judged by clients as not being God s choice. We speak on comfort methods and the strengths and skills that are required when living and coping with COPD and how one can grow in skill and strength, with time and practice, with knowledge. We speak on the fear that is ever present- but especially there- when breathing is difficult and the skills learned are no longer effective or not effective at that time. Being an advocate for self and learning to ask for help, for information and for justice or personal preference is discussed. Clients have shared their personal histories and the traumas in their lives. They show me their pictures, the things they are proud of, their pets and their spaces of living. They share their hopes and their dreams. They tell me what they live for or why they are ready to die. Some clients find phone conversations a simpler way to communicate and they are happy to discuss most things over the phone, sometimes going deep but not always, sometimes just sharing their day. I have enjoyed companioning them on their respective journeys. It makes a difference in care. 17

18 Day Chaplain Statistics Total Number of Religion Changes Total Number of Visits Total Number of Referrals GBHS Sites 7 Day Chaplains (Grey Bruce Health Services) SBGHC Sites 4 Day Chaplains (South Bruce Grey Health Centre) HDH 1 Day Chaplain (Hanover & District Hospital) CGMH 1 Day Chaplain (Collingwood General and Marine Hospital) Referrals Received for Spiritual Care including On-Call (GBHS-Owen Sound only) Volunteer Chaplains (GBHS-Owen Sound only) 1251 The GBHCC has adopted a new logo, striving to capture and encompass the key elements of the good work being done across our region: 18

19 SPE Class of Extended A Supervised Pastoral Education Training Unit was lead by Dr. Angela Schmidt, with seven students training for chaplaincy and/or congregational ministry, from September 2014 to March Left to right: Dr. Angela Schmidt, Anita Rowland, Robert Henderson, Lisa Beattie, John Graham, Patricia McLeod, Chris Pool, and Rev. Dr. Dwight Biggs. Special Events! Clockwise: Roberta Carey and Grace Young sharing a laugh in office; SPE group 2015; Dr. Angela Schmidt and Sr. Dr. Colleen Lashmar receiving awards at CASC; Rev. Dr. Dwight Biggs graduation; SPE group caroling throughout GBHS; Anita Rowland and Valerie Deacon (Mrs. Claus!) spreading Christmas cheer! 19

20 Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council Members : Rev. Herb Klaehn... Chair Rev. Harry Zantingh... Vice-Chair Rev. David Shearman... Treasurer Pastor David Baker... Grey-Bruce Rural Ministerial Reverend Hannes Aasa... Grey-Bruce Rural Ministerial Reverend Lyndsay McGregor... Grey-Bruce-Hanover Ministerial Pastor Gregory Armstrong... Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Julia Scott... Grey Bruce Health Services VP Clinical Michelle Moreau... Grey Bruce Health Services Social Work Stacy Hogg... Hanover & District Hospital Eileen Sunstrum... Community Health Provider Dr. Moona Rahemtulla... Multi-faith (Ad Hoc) Dr. Angela Schmidt... Ex-Officio The GBHCC would like to thank Leanne Knights for her dedicated support during her temporary placement in the Spiritual Care Department throughout We wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council c/o Spiritual Care Department Grey Bruce Health Services th St. East Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M ext