Los Alamitos Medical Center recently announced the formation of a Pastoral Care program. The purpose of the group will be to enhance the spiritual services currently offered and to add a community component. The program will include volunteers representing a broad array of religious faiths and cultural backgrounds. They will function as an integral part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and will offer spiritual and emotional support in times of stress.
“If a patient requests a Pastoral Care volunteer, we will try to match patients with a person of their own religion or belief system,” said Karen Games, RN, Senior Director of Process Improvement. “Volunteers may read, pray, or talk with patients and their families. We are working with local clergy and are building a diverse network of volunteers.”
Training is provided as program volunteers will offer support with end of life issues, help with events such as memorial services and blessings, and participate in ethics consultations. More information is available on the hospital website at www.losalamitosmedctr.com or you may contact Karen Games at 562-799-3284.
About Los Alamitos Medical Center
Opened in 1968, Los Alamitos Medical Center is a 167-bed acute care hospital located at 3751 Katella Ave. in Los Alamitos. The medical center offers a wide range of programs for families – from birthing suites to senior programs. Medical services include a 24-hour emergency department; Birthing Center; cardiology, including a cardiac catheterization/angiography suite; neurointerventional suite; comprehensive cancer services and much more.
This article appeared in the April 12, 2017 print edition of the News Enterprise.
