Hospital Chaplin Seeks To Expand Spiritual Services To All Walks Of Faith In Redlands Community
REDLANDS, CA-- Reverend Paul Reed, Ph. D, Redlands Community Hospital’s
newly appointed chaplain, welcomed clergy from the Redlands area communities
to the hospital’s First Annual Clergy Appreciation Luncheon on October
13. October is designated as National Clergy Appreciation Month.
In his presentation, Reverend Reed shared with the spiritual leaders the
specific programs and services that the hospital offers, designed to provide
solace and comfort to those facing end of live and other difficult medical
care decisions. Community clergy were invited to join Reverend Reed by
volunteering their services to assist patients and visitors in need.
“Our luncheon will be an annual event and we hope to expand our
programs for the area’s spiritual community to better serve all
walks of faith,” said Reverend Reed. “Our goal is to put the
needs of our patients and visitors first. It is especially important to
engage and enlighten our spiritual community leaders of the resources
available.”
Reverend Reed began his role as Redlands Community Hospital chaplain this
summer and offers daily spiritual care for the diverse population of hospital
patients. He works closely with physicians, nurses, and employees throughout
the hospital to ensure that the spiritual needs of the patients are addressed
just as compassionately as their clinical care needs. “We could
not be more pleased to welcome Reverend Reed to the hospital,” said
Jim Holmes, CEO and president of Redlands Community Hospital, who attended
the luncheon.
“We look forward to him enriching our spiritual programs with his
expertise, and envision developing a long and inspirational relationship
with our employees, patients and their families.” Reverend Reed
oversees a variety of programs at the hospital, and is currently creating
the ‘No One Dies Alone’ program—a service that provides
‘compassionate companions’ to people who are near death and
have no friends and family locally. He also hopes to revitalize the volunteer
program within the pastoral care services department, and provide seminars
on end of life and medical ethics. He is currently working on special
grief recovery events which will be offered twice a year.
“I am excited to work the patients, visitors and staff,” said
Reed. “I look forward to work at an institution with a long tradition
of meeting both the spiritual and medical needs of our community.”