Spiritual Care

Being hospitalized, dealing with illness and uncertainty can be an extremely challenging time. Many people find that talking with a chaplain can help during this period. Chaplains with Spiritual Care Services provide spiritual support to patients, family members, friends and staff members at UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus, UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion and UCSF Children's Hospital.

An integral part of our health care team, chaplains representing many faiths are available around-the-clock to be a caring presence, offer spiritual and emotional support, and listen with openness and understanding. Patients, families and staff are encouraged to call a chaplain when experiencing feelings of fear, anger, loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, grief or loss, or when they just need someone to talk to. Chaplains also are available for times of celebration, prayer and rituals.

We are available to support all of our patients regardless of their beliefs and religious affiliation. Patients do not need to be affiliated with a congregation or faith community to call a chaplain. However, if you do belong to a community, we can notify a faith community of your choice to make a visit. Your minister, rabbi or other spiritual advisor may visit you or your family member at any time.

Services

• Ethics consultations
• Prayer
• Sacraments or religious rituals
• Pastoral support in times of stress
• Contact with your home congregation and clergy
• Spiritual literature or sacred texts
• Family support
• Help in interpreting your spiritual needs to staff
• End-of-life issues
• Memorial services
• On-site meditation rooms

Meditation Rooms

We also have mediation rooms at our Parnassus and Mount Zion Hospital locations. These are quiet places available to you and your family for reflection, prayer, meditation and comfort.

At Parnassus, our Meditation Room is located on the first floor of the hospital, at 505 Parnassus Ave.

At Mount Zion, the Meditation Room is located in the main lobby of the medical center at 1600 Divisadero St., behind the front desk

Spiritual Care Contact

For more information on Spiritual Care Services, please contact:

Spiritual Care: (415) 353-1941

If you wish to call a chaplain, ask your nurse to page the on-call chaplain.