Spiritual Care
UnityPoint Health – Meriter focuses on caring for the whole person - body, mind and spirit. In this framework, the Department of Spiritual Care focuses on the spiritual and emotional care of people at UnityPoint Health – Meriter hospital. If you, a family member or a friend are in need of spiritual assistance or emotional support while at the hospital, please feel free to use the following services:
24/7 In-house Chaplain Presence
Anyone can ask for a chaplain, regardless of religious or non-religious beliefs. Our chaplains are available within the hospital to provide emotional and spiritual support to the patients and families of UnityPoint Health – Meriter.
Patients and loved ones may ask for a chaplain visit to:
- Have someone to listen
- Find coping skills and relaxation techniques for stress
- Have support in times of sadness, grief, or hopelessness
- Explore topics like illness, change, and purpose more deeply
- Ask for blessings, prayer, or other spiritual requests
- Connect with spiritual caregivers in the community
To request assistance or a visit from one of our chaplains, call (608) 417-6480 or ask a care team member to request the chaplain on call.
Our chaplains link with community resources and spiritual caregivers to facilitate timely and appropriate spiritual care. We are pleased that many community members provide emotional and spiritual care at UnityPoint Health – Meriter hospital. They are an integral part of our support team.
Respite and Reflection Room
Located on the lobby level of UnityPoint Health - Meriter hospital, this inclusive place of worship, relaxation and mindfulness is open to staff, approved visitors and patients 24/7. This new space provides a place for individuals to reflect and find peace in the way that best suits them. Note that this space is not just for religious use. This is a multi-use, multi-denominational space that can provide respite for anyone. It's a space for stress release and reflection. Visit Respite and Reflection Room for more information.
Other Services
Code Lavender
Code Lavender is a holistic care rapid-response program to help staff in need of a calming influence after a stressful situation, such as a difficult diagnosis or the loss of a patient. A multi-disciplinary team of facilitators are trained to lead group processing sessions or meet for individual support of our caregivers.
Association of Spiritual Caregivers
More than 75 area faith community leaders belong to our Association of Spiritual Caregivers. The Association provides spiritual care within UnityPoint Health - Meriter hospital; learning opportunities for faith community leaders; and assists area faith communities in their efforts to be centers of health and healing. If you are a spiritual caregiver and would like to learn more about joining the Association, please visit Association of Spiritual Caregivers.