At Aspirus Riverview Hospital, we respect the unique spiritual and religious beliefs of each patient and their loved ones. Spiritual support services are offered to people of all traditions, cultures and beliefs, regardless of affiliation with a particular denominational group or of having no affiliation.
Our staff chaplain is an ordained pastor who works as part of the interdisciplinary patient care team and observes standards of practice developed by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Service is available to all patients in the hospital, as well as those in the Emergency Department, Family Birthplace, Aspirus UW Cancer Center, and various hospital-sponsored support groups.
As a patient or support person, you may be visited by our staff chaplain to assess any spiritual or emotional needs with you, acquaint you with available spiritual care services, and provide assistance throughout your time at Riverview. You may also request to have our chaplain visit as needs arise.
Riverview welcomes and encourages visits from patients’ home spiritual leaders or clergy. With your preference and consent upon registration, or by request at any other time, they will be notified of your hospitalization. Provision or facilitation of sacramental needs, such as communion, baptism and anointing of the sick are also available.
What is Spiritual Support?
In times of recovery, uncertainty, distress or transition, spiritual support provides and facilitates a compassionate response that will foster connection and hope, promote healing, and contribute to one's overall well-being.
Spiritual support may help you when you:
- Are fearful, anxious or feeling low and need someone to talk with
- Struggle to find meaning in illness
- Are distressed by difficult circumstances apart from medical conditions
- Have no nearby family or friends to be with you
- Are preparing for surgery, chemotherapy or other procedures
- Have suffered a loss, are grieving or bereaved
- Would like to talk through treatment choices or goals of care
- Would like a blessing, prayer or other comfort from a familiar tradition
- Have a new diagnosis
- Are facing dying, death or crisis
Chaplains may work with patients and their families to:
- Assist in working through spiritual and emotional struggles
- Uplift, affirm and facilitate spiritual or religious supports and connections
- Engage in the search for hope or meaning
- Provide prayer and ritual
- Listen to concerns and life reflection
- Support those without close ones or a congregation nearby
- Provide a calming presence amid turmoil and uncertainty
Let Us Know Your Needs
We invite you to let us know your needs. To contact the chaplain, you may ask any member of your health care team to make a
referral. Coverage for emergent needs outside of regular hours is also available. For questions or further information
regarding Riverview’s spiritual support services or bereavement support program, please call us.