Spiritual support extended at Rome Memorial

Rome Memorial Hospital has partnered with the Rome Clergy Association to strengthen pastoral care to patients, family and staff.

Whatever your faith tradition or spiritual background, the Rome Clergy Association is available to help patients draw on their spiritual strengths for healing in body, mind and spirit.

“A patient, family member or staff member can request a visit from a pastor from their home church or we can recommend a pastor for you,” Rome Clergy Association Chairman Rev. Sam Pendergrast said.

“The pastors provide spiritual care and comfort in keeping with the patients’ and families’ beliefs and values and will inquire about values, beliefs and rituals as needed,” Pendergrast added.

RMH patients and their families can request a visit by an on-call pastor from Rome-area churches through the hospital’s nursing staff or by calling the nursing supervisor at 315-338-7000.

The Rome Clergy Association represents leaders in the faith community who come together to support and encourage one another and “work in unity to love and serve the city of Rome,” Pendergrast said.

The association provides the hospital with contact information for area churches. All clergy participate in a joint orientation and are required to have a hospital identification badge.

For additional information regarding serving the spiritual needs of hospitalized patients, contact RMH Director of Volunteers Julie Chrysler at 315-338-7134.