CANANDAIGUA – As he recruits chaplain’s volunteers to provide spiritual care within UR Medicine’s Thompson Health, Manager of Spiritual Care Mark Henson will host an informational meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the chapel just off the main lobby of Thompson Hospital at 350 Parrish St. in Canandaigua.
At Thompson, spirituality is defined in the broadest and most universal terms possible -- that which gives meaning or purpose and belonging or connection to each person. In this light, the health system’s Spiritual Care program seeks to support each patient, resident, client and loved one in a way that is meaningful and helpful to him or her.
Chaplain’s volunteers at Thompson receive training in a variety of healthcare subjects. By the end of their training, they are able to:
• Compassionately communicate and empathize with associates, patients, residents and their families
• Pray in a meaningful way with associates, patients, residents and their families
• Give appropriate spiritual and emotional support in medical crises
• Have a basic understanding of the nature of dementia, Alzheimer’s, congestive heart failure and cancer
• Understand the effects of stress in people’s lives in the midst of medical crises
• Give spiritual and emotional support to the dying and to families before and after death
Following the Feb. 17 information session, trainings will be held on March 2 and 9. For details, contact Henson at (585) 396-6486.