Most people familiar with the image of a doctor or surgeon carrying a beeper, or nowadays a cell phone, because they are on call but did you know that at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) in Cranbrook there is a Chaplain and Spiritual Care Assistant on call as well?

Werner Froese, a former Mennonite Pastor, is the EKRH Chaplain. Froese has been in his role since 2005 and, true to form, has a cell phone hooked onto his belt.

“Spiritual Care is about caring for the spiritual dimensions within each person,” said Froese. “It also speaks to the needs of one’s spirit or soul, offering hope and wholeness to a patient through the encouragement and hope offered through God.”

Prior to the introduction of the Spiritual Care Program at EKRH, Cranbrook and area pastors would visit their respective parishioners in the hospital and one pastor would carry a pager in case an emergency arose. It was a system that left many gaps including non-churched or out-of- town patients not having the opportunity for a pastoral visit.

During the hospital’s renovations in 2004, and through generous donations, a chapel was added to the hospital.  At the same time the Spiritual Care Committee started to investigate the possibility of having a retired pastor take the helm at the EKRH chapel. The next year, Froese became the Chaplain. For the first two years, Werner volunteered his time as chaplain but thanks to the support of area churches he now receives a stipend for his service.

The Spiritual Care program is non-denominational and available to any and all who desire a visit. Froese and the Spiritual Care Assistant’s roles are to provide a presence of spiritual support comfort and pastoral care to patients, families, and health care providers.

The Chaplain is available to those who desire a prayer/blessing prior to an operation or following an operation; for a family being informed of a terminal diagnosis, and to staff wishing to dialogue

“The Spiritual Care program is about including the spiritual aspect of people in every area of life. Having this program at the hospital recognizes that the ‘spiritual’ aspect of our being needs to be addressed as readily as our physical or emotional needs,” said Froese.  “The medical and psychiatric staff, along with the Chaplain, work together to bring healing and hope to patients, families, and staff.”

Froese is in the hospital Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons visiting the patients and available to enter into a dialogue with family. He is also on call throughout the week to respond to a request for spiritual encouragement. To contact the Chaplin or Spiritual Care Assistant, contact the unit clerk or nurse on the appropriate floor or unit.

The East Kootenay Foundation for Health will accept donations on behalf of the EKRH Spiritual Care Program; you can donate via www.ekfh.ca or call the EKFH’s office at 250-489-6481.

The East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s Spiritual Care Committee unveiled their new logo on Tuesday, October 18 (pictured above). The design is intended to evoke an individual meaning for each faith or belief system. The logo was designed by Cranbrook Graphic Designer, Lisa Morello of EMM Marketing & Design, who donated her services.  In the picture: EKRH Chaplin Werner Froese (L) and EKRH Acute Care Health Services Director Chris Shumka (R) with the new logo.

Jennifer Inglis/Interior Health

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