Whether you are a patient or have a loved one at Alton Memorial Hospital, spiritual care services provides a calming presence during the healing process. Our chaplain, working as part of the care team with physicians, nurses and other caregivers, offers guidance during crises; when dealing with critical decisions regarding patient care; when developing a care plan; or, just to provide emotional and spiritual support.
Our chaplain will visit with you during your hospital stay when possible. If you would like to have your religious/spiritual leader visit you while at Alton Memorial Hospital, we encourage you to let him know about your hospitalization.
When Spiritual Care May Be Needed
Spiritual care provides comfort for patients, their families, hospital staff and volunteers:
- When a patient/family is coping with a difficult diagnosis
- When a patient/family is facing surgery
- When a patient/family is fearful, anxious or depressed
- When a patient or family is having difficulty dealing with a prolonged illness or deterioration of a patient’s condition
- When a patient faces death or end-of-life decision-making is needed
- When a patient is seeking the presence of God in their healthcare situation
- When hospital staff needs spiritual guidance
- When a patient/family is faced with a moral/ethical dilemma
To learn more information about our Spiritual Care Services call us at 618.463.7491.
Advance Directive
Spiritual care services can also help patients with an advance directive, which is a legal document directing your medical decisions when you are unable. There are various types of advance directive forms on the Illinois Department of Public Health website (http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/advin.htm). Our chaplain is available to help you complete these forms if needed.
Beck Chapel
The Beck Chapel, a place for quiet reflection, prayer and refuge for patients, families and staff, is located on the ground floor by the cafeteria.
Meet our chaplain:
Sarah Dierker became the AMH chaplain in early 2019 following the retirement of Bruce Baumberger. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion, with concentrations in New Testament and Church History, from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., in 2011; and a Master of Divinity, concentrations in Christian Education, and Biblical/Historical Theology, from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 2016.