Emergency and Non-Emergency Requests

When notified, our Chaplains respond to life-threatening emergencies in the Emergency Department, Critical Care Units and Acute Inpatient Services.

Emergency Requests:

• for a patient whose death is imminent or who has just died
• for a patient whose medical condition has suddenly worsened
• for a patient who has received a diagnosis of a terminal illness
• for patient/family/loved ones who will be given information that is difficult to hear and who need extra emotional and/or spiritual support

Non-Emergency Requests:

• when patient/family/loved ones/staff request a ritual (anointing, communion, baptism, viaticum, blessings, prayers, and in special circumstances, memorials, funerals and weddings)
• when patient/family/loved ones request a Spiritual Care consult
• when patient/family/loved ones from out of town are experiencing isolation and/or loneliness
• when patient/family/loved ones are expressing despair, and questioning meaning of own life
• when patient expresses guilt, directly or indirectly, regarding past or present life experiences
• when patient/family/loved ones are expressing doubt, suspicion and anger at God, the church or religion
• when a patient's illness or injury will necessitate a change in way of life
• when staff have religious questions
• when patient/family/loved ones/staff have ethical or moral issues that need to be discussed