Spiritual Services
For many people, faith is an important aspect of their lives - and it becomes more important during a life crisis. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing, we take a holistic approach to your care. Holistic care includes providing for any spiritual needs you may have. We believe that pastoral care can be an important component in your healing and recovery, complementing the quality medical care you receive from our professionals. Led by Chaplain Mike Davis, our Pastoral Care and Counseling Department provides spiritual and emotional support for you and your family. We take an inclusive approach and respect the beliefs of all of our guests. Our services are available to those of all faiths or those who practice no faith. We're here for you and your family.
Our mission is to help make you more comfortable during your hospital stay and to help you deal with any issues you may face while you are with us. This can be through education about your condition or treatment, coordinating with the clergy from your faith community, or assisting with surgery preparations. We are available for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide conversation, counseling, sacraments, company for Scripture reading, or merely our presence.
Available Support
Chaplain Services. At any time during your stay, our chaplain may visit you. If you like, we can also coordinate a visit from your clergy. To request a visit from our chaplain, please call the Pastoral Care and Counseling department at 214.820.0684. After 3:00 p.m., please call 214.820.1600. You can request that someone pray for you by calling 214.820.2542.
Religious services and Holy Communion are offered on Sundays at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. Chaplains also regularly lead services for special occasions, such as weddings, memorial services, baptisms, adoptions and blessing ceremonies, and national observances.
Help with Tough Issues
A law called the Patient Self Determination Act requires that all hospitals and other health care institutions inform patients of their rights to agree to or refuse medical treatment and to make advance directives. With an advance directive, you state your wishes, or name someone who will state your wishes for you if you cannot make a decision.
We believe that advance directives are important. Chaplains are available to assist patients and families in making their future medical decisions clear by filling out the proper papers. If you would like to complete a living will or medical power of attorney form, please call for chaplain assistance at 214.820.1600.
Other Services
Our pastoral services go beyond spiritual counseling, however, to include programs aimed at reducing our patient's stress levels. For example, we provide animal assisted therapy. Periodically dogs visit our hospital's waiting rooms and patient rooms. These dogs, which have undergone rigorous training, provide friendly companionship to many people who are going through a very difficult time in their lives. We also coordinate a support group for our heart failure patients, as well as a spirituality module for our cardiac rehabilitation program.
Chapel. You can find a quiet place for reflection and prayer at any time in the Lonnie "Bo" and Patty Pilgrim Prayer Room on the hospital's ground floor. During times of illness, reflection and prayer can be a comforting resource. Through a generous gift from Lonnie "Bo" and Patty Pilgrim, patients, families, and staff have access to the Pilgrim Prayer Room. A heart-shaped room, which symbolizes the care we give at the Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, it offers the opportunity to pray and meditate. The Pilgrim Prayer Room features a Prayer Journal, and we invite you to enter a prayer request. Please feel free to use this very special resource during your visit. The prayer room is located on the ground floor of the Baylor Hamilton Heart Hospital.
Interfaith Garden of Prayer. The Interfaith Garden of Prayer provides a tranquil place of comfort, beauty, and serenity to patients, families, visitors, and staff of all faiths. Surrounded by trees, two waterfalls, beds of seasonal color and greenery, the garden is located in the courtyard between Roberts Hospital and the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center. Featuring a series of circular prayer paths leading to a central prayer area, the garden provides a sacred place appropriate to the many diverse cultures and faiths represented at Baylor and in the community. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Healing Environment
Research shows that music, humor, art, and relaxation techniques promote health and well-being. The program offers video and audiotapes, a 24-hour relaxation TV channel, and aromatherapy. Many people find the smell of lavender relaxing. If you would like, please feel free to ask a member of our Pastoral Care staff to place a drop of lavender essential oil on your pillow.
To request a visit from our chaplain, call the Pastoral Care and Counseling department at 214.820.0684.
