Spiritual Care, Chaplaincy and Emotional Wellness
Here at New London Hospital, we believe that caring for an individual's emotional and spiritual needs is just as important as caring for the body and mind.
From dealing with a new and difficult diagnosis, to caring for loved ones with chronic conditions, there are many stages in healthcare where challenging emotions can be brought to the surface unexpectedly and can negatively impact patient outcomes if not addressed.
Our Spiritual Care services represent an important component of NLH's Patient and Family Centered Care approach to care. We recognize that spiritual and emotional issues are factors that impact patient, family and staff wellness and need to be given the same attention that other health issues are.
Would you like to talk with our chaplain?
Our chaplain is available 9am to 4pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday
People often turn to their spiritual beliefs in a time of crisis
Spirituality is the human activity of finding meaning in life's good and bad experiences. Discussing emotion and spiritual needs with a trusted professional results in enhanced well-being and provides peace of mind to patients/family and staff alike and leads to improved health outcomes. Caring for an individual's emotional and spiritual needs is just as important to us as maintaining mental and physical health as these needs help one to cope with illness, loss, and change.
What can our chaplains do?
As a member of the healthcare team, NLH's Chaplain has the training and experience to respond professionally and confidentially to these needs for all touched by and delivering care. Our Chaplain is also able to speak to people of all faiths, including those who affirm no faith at all.
Chaplains provide a supportive presence for people facing frightening, frustrating, discouraging or anxious times, and are available to consult for patients, their family members and our staff with emotional or spiritual need.
- Provide emotional support to patients, families and staff
- Help manage the stress of uncertainty and waiting
- Listen carefully and attentively to the concerns and worries of patients and loved ones
- Help patients and families find inner strength and courage
- Assist patients and families in thinking through problems
- Help patients and families find realistic sources of hope
- Pray with patients, families and staff
- Provide spiritual guidance
- Help patients contact their clergy or faith leaders.
- Help patients and families identify sources of distress and ways to address them
- Help manage feelings of fear and anxiety
- Provide supportive care in times of grief, crisis and end-of-life
Contact Information
Please call 1-603-526-5156 to arrange a visit prior to a planned admission, or even while you are visiting the hospital if you have any needs.
If you are an admitted patient and it is evening hours, please ask your nursing staff to contact the chaplain for urgent concerns.