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A CEO's Perspective on Health and Healing in a Hospital Environment
Vickie Kaminski, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital (HRSRH) recently presented the following address at the Northeastern Ontario Regional Multifaith Symposium held in Sudbury, Ontario this past October. It was felt that OMNI would be an appropriate format to offer our readers her inspiring remarks.
Health care today has become very different than it was just 20 years ago. At that time, nursing was very much hands-on, where patient, nurse and physician worked closely together. In today's world of high-tech, coupled with the financial constraints hospitals are faced with, health care organizations have seen a change in how this relationship is carried out. This is not to say that there isn't great professionalism in hospital staff, but with increased patient loads and the pace of technology, there is less time being spent on direct patient care -- it's often said that we live in a world of high-tech and low-touch.
Every year, millions of dollars are spent in our health care facilities to advance the physical well-being of our patients, and rightly so. That being said, the next question we must ask ourselves is 'Do our patients not need other forms of care besides physical?' Various studies have shown conclusively that emotional and religious care is equally important in the healing process of patients. Harvard Cardiologist, Herbert Benson wrote, 'I am astonished that my scientific studies have so conclusively shown that our bodies are wired to be nourished and healed by prayer and other exercises of belief.' (1999)
So, where does all of this lead? And how does one ensure that all of our patient's needs are met -- both physically, emotionally and spiritually? The Sudbury Regional Hospital recognizes the importance of delivering care in a holistic way and is committed to ensuring that patients and staff have access to and benefit from this form of care. In fact, the creation of the hospital's vision for the organization focuses on providing "quality, patient-centred care that respects multicultural, linguistic and religious diversity..."
Every day, Hospital Chaplains and Pastoral Services staff provide exemplary support to both our patients and staff and have been active in several ways. Currently, there are six full-time and part-time Chaplains at the Laurentian and Memorial sites, and another four full and part-time Chaplains at the St. Joseph's Health Centre. All provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
From multi-faith services and music reflection to the offering of communion to our patients, Hospital Chaplains are a core part of our health care team. They assist patients and staff in formulating spiritual and religious questions such as life and its meaning, dying, death, sin, hope, peace and forgiveness. In fact, professional Chaplains move across disciplinary boundaries caring for staff members who themselves experience the stress of patient care. They not only help staff better cope with everyday stresses, they empower them to recognize the meaning and value of their work in new ways.
They liaise with community faith groups and spiritual leaders, and are active participants in advocating the needs of our patients when necessary. More importantly, however, is that the hospital Chaplains are not viewed as part of the hospital's regular staff and are therefore entrusted with confidential matters by patients and staff.
As you may know, the HRSRH is undergoing great change with the move to a one-site hospital for the patients throughout Northeastern Ontario. As the hospital moves towards the completion of a one-site hospital for Sudbury, we have ensured that our support and commitment to looking at the complete needs of our patients are maintained and in some instances enhanced. For example, with the completion of the hospital's new tower that will house all of its complex continuing care needs, a Native Healing Chapel has been incorporated into its plans. Given the large native population in the area, the hospital thought it appropriate to give its patients the opportunity to practice and participate in traditional native ceremonies that will include sweet grass, healing circle, and smudging ceremonies.
The physical environment of patients is also vital to the hospital's healing process. New hospital designs include efficient layouts which support patient dignity and a home-like, non-institutional feel to the rooms, which value humans, not technology, are emphasized.
Spiritual care contributes greatly to a healthy organizational culture. Spirituality demonstrates that people are not merely physical bodies that require mechanical care. People find their spirituality helps them maintain health and cope with illnesses, traumas, losses, and life transitions by integrating body, mind and spirit. When people face a crisis, they often turn to their spirituality as a means of coping. And as hospitals become more high-tech, they need more high-touch and the role of Chaplains within a healthcare setting is becoming more prevalent and more valued.
During the turmoil of healthcare reform and financial constraints, CEOs and Boards are constantly searching for ways to provide quality patient-centred care, retain excellent caregivers and maintain positive relationships with their organization and community.
The HRSRH's professional Chaplains continually respond to these concerns in unique ways as they draw upon historic traditions of spirituality that contribute to the healing of body, mind, heart and soul.
The Sudbury Regional Hospital looks forward to a rewarding and enriching relationship it knows will continue to flourish and benefit its patients and staff for years to come.
Posted by editor on September 30, 2003 10:28 AM