The stress and psychological trauma felt by families with loved ones undergoing critical care takes a toll on their health and well-being.
Grand View Health recognizes the need to support the emotional health of our patients and every single one of their family members and caregivers. Now, thanks to the generosity of Penn Community Bank, Grand View Health’s newly added hospital-wide chaplaincy program can bring comfort to patients, families and healthcare staff.
Penn Community Bank has donated $25,000 to help fund 24/7 coverage by specially educated chaplains who will be available immediately to meet with patients, families, and staff during times of crisis, offering emotional support to help with coping and reduce long-term psychological trauma.
Behavioral health needs have spiked since the opening of Grand View Health’s Trauma Center along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the chaplaincy program has been a tremendous resource to the community during these times Grand View Health’s Level II Adult Trauma Center is the only level II trauma center in Upper Bucks County and Northern Montgomery County.
The chaplaincy program is available to all patients – including trauma, critical care and acute care patients, their families and our staff. People with life-changing diagnoses such as patients in the ICU or those who experienced a stroke or heart attack can receive help from chaplains in regaining control of their life and decisions. The trauma staff in particular cares for the most seriously injured of patients. The guidance and emotional support provided by the chaplaincy program helps employees process the feelings and emotions they experience while providing care.
“At Penn Community Bank, we understand the importance of meeting people where they are, and the neighborly duty of helping those in crisis,” says Diane Brown, executive vice president, chief administrative officer of Penn Community Bank. “We’re proud to support Grand View Health’s new chaplaincy program and give back to the communities we serve.”
“Our friends at Penn Community Bank have been longtime partners for over a century,” says Douglas Hughes, RN, MSN, MBA, president and CEO, Grand View Health “We’re grateful to have their support and to provide this necessary resource to our community. Many people reached by the chaplaincy program have expressed their appreciation and found great comfort in receiving experienced and compassionate support during a difficult time.”
“It’s important for our patients to know that they can get not only the best medical care here at Grand View Health, but also the right spiritual support throughout their care journey,” says Rev. Sung-Won Paek, PhD, pastoral care leader at Grand View Health. “This gift from Penn Community Bank will allow us to expand upon our pastoral care initiatives and help more people.”
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