Caring for the Whole Person: The Pastoral Care Program at Elliot Hospital

At Elliot Hospital, we understand that healing and wellness go beyond just the physical body. True health encompasses the mind, body, and spirit, and our pastoral care program is dedicated to nurturing all three. The program reflects the hospital's deep respect for the spiritual dimension of healing, offering support to patients, families, and staff regardless of their faith tradition—or even if they have no religious affiliation at all. 

What is pastoral care? 

Pastoral care at Elliot Hospital provides a safe space for individuals to explore issues of faith, spirituality, and meaning, especially during times of illness, crisis, or end-of-life. "We provide support to all, regardless of tradition, lack of tradition, or affiliation," says Rev. Barbara Brawley, one of the hospital’s interfaith chaplains. “People find it helpful just to talk with someone, and chaplains have the time to provide a listening ear.”   

At times, people do not talk about a traditional faith but find comfort and meaning through a particular spiritual practice like feeling connected to nature, meditation, or yoga, or feeling the support of their families. We support what people believe and work with them to find ways to stay connected to their beliefs or practices as a way of feeling supported and less isolated during their hospitalizations.  

This respect for diverse beliefs is a cornerstone of our approach; the pastoral care team does not preach or impose any beliefs. Instead, the patient leads the interaction, allowing them to discuss whatever is on their mind. The goal is to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—because, as Rev. Brawley notes, "It all contributes to your wellness." 

Why does Elliot Hospital offer pastoral care?  

Elliot Hospital recognizes that spiritual support can be vital to healing, coping, and acceptance. Whether someone is grappling with a new diagnosis, facing the end of life, or dealing with a traumatic event, having someone to talk to about spiritual or existential concerns can make a significant difference. The hospital's commitment to respect and openness means that all patients, families, and staff can find the spiritual support they need when they need it. 

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Services provided by the pastoral care team 

The pastoral care program offers various services designed to support patients and staff. These include Catholic mass, distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, and Catholic communion administered by eucharistic ministers. They also provide resources such as bibles, prayer cards, or even comfort items like stuffed hearts. The team is also available for staff debriefings after traumatic events, memorial services, and opening prayers at hospital events. During the day, any staff member can refer a patient to pastoral care via the hospital's paging system, electronic requests, or in person. Patients can request visits in person from Monday to Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm. For urgent needs, an on-call priest is always available for Catholic patients. 

One of the pastoral care team's most critical roles is to provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times. Kimberly McCallion shares, “Recently, my father was visited by the pastoral care team as an inpatient. It warmed our hearts every time Barb would visit as his face would light up as she entered the room. She also visited prior to my mother passing seven years ago. It brought them both so much comfort at stressful times in their lives.” Rev. Brawley agrees, "It's often about building relationships, offering comfort and reassurance. Patients find they can trust us and say anything." 

The pastoral care team 

The pastoral care team at Elliot Hospital is made up of two interfaith chaplains, Rev. Barbara Brawley and Maurice Pare BCC, as well as Father Theo, the in-house priest, and several Eucharistic ministers. Each team member is trained to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to individuals of all faiths—or none.  

"We consider ourselves part of the healthcare team," Rev. Brawley explains. When the team receives a referral, they follow up with the referring staff member to ensure continuity of care, sometimes collaborating with case managers or other healthcare professionals. 

The team’s support is not limited to patients. They also play a crucial role in helping staff navigate the emotional toll of their work or families supporting their loved ones. 

"I am grateful for this work. It's all about walking with people in times of crisis and uncertainty," says Rev. Brawley. "We are here for staff, families, and patients without an agenda. We don’t expect or want anything from them. We make no demands. Patients can control the interaction in a place where they may feel they have little control." 

The pastoral care program at Elliot Hospital is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to holistic care. By addressing the spiritual needs of patients, families, and staff, the program helps foster healing, coping, and acceptance during some of life’s most challenging moments. In this way, the pastoral care staff live our Elliot Hospital’s mission to inspire, heal, and work with compassion. Whether you need someone to talk to, a comforting presence, or spiritual guidance, the pastoral care team is here to walk with you every step of the way. 

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