Research shows that spiritual care is an important part of the recovery process. With funding support from the Muskoka Chaplaincy Association, a charitable organization, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) provides the services of a Spiritual Care Coordinator with scheduled times at both sites. Learn more about spiritual care services from the Muskoka Chaplaincy Association's brochure.
The Spiritual Care Coordinator supports patients, families and staff. Outside of the scheduled hours, a 24/7 chaplain service is provided upon request from within the community. The Spiritual Care Coordinator is multi-faith and non-denominational, and is trained to deal with a full range of issues that may affect patients, families and staff, such as:
- Loneliness, feelings of loss
- Issues around meaning and purpose in life
- Grief
- Coping with lifestyle changes such as loss of independence, isolation or hospitalization
- Moving to a long-term care home
- End-of-life challenges and issues
- Companionship and support - need someone to talk to
The service is provided in a compassionate and confidential way. Prayer and religious rites are provided if you wish.
Spiritual Care Services
Pastoral care by faith-specific representatives is also available upon request to patients with a particular religious affiliation. Community Clergy are faith leaders in the different religious communities in the Muskoka area. Their role is to provide patients with ongoing support and offer them their particular religious rites while they are patients at MAHC's sites. To protect privacy, a patient or substitute decision maker must communicate their wishes for a visit from their religious community. There are more than 50 different clergy members within the local community.
MAHC strongly supports and encourages patients and families who want to connect with their spiritual advisor to contact their local clergyperson. The request for a spiritual care visit can also be made by filling out a requisition form upon admission to the hospital, or by informing nursing staff. In the event of a crisis situation, emergency, or need for urgent pastoral care outside of the chaplain's scheduled hours, patients can inform the nursing staff and arrangements will be made to contact the clergyperson on call.
How to Access the Service
The Spiritual Care Coordinator can be reached directly at 705-571-1358
Huntsville Muskoka District Memorial Hospital Site
On-site Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Call the main switchboard at 705-789-2311 and ask to be directed to the Spiritual Care Coordinator. You may also use this number to ask for an on-call chaplain, if your request is outside the hours of service.
South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Site
On-site Tuesdays, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Call the main switchboard at 705-645-4404 and ask to be directed to the Spiritual Care Coordinator. You may also use this number to ask for an on-call chaplain, if your request is outside the hours of service.
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