Improving Spiritual Health at Kaiser Permanente
In a commitment to holistic healthcare, Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center provides spiritual care support tailored to both patients and staff, respecting diverse beliefs and traditions. This approach aligns with the organization's mission of compassionate, culturally sensitive care, addressing spiritual needs as part of overall well-being.
The medical center's spiritual care services typically include access to chaplains or spiritual care advisors, who offer counseling and support during medical treatment and crises. The hospital accommodates various religious, cultural, and spiritual practices within its healthcare setting, providing a supportive environment that recognizes and respects diverse spiritual beliefs.
Kaiser Permanente places considerable value on diversity, integrating this respect into their care approaches to ensure inclusivity for people from a wide range of cultural and spiritual backgrounds. The hospital is committed to all faiths and often partners with the community to find the desired faith leader requested by patients.
During the holy month of Ramadan and Ash Wednesday, the hospital dedicated space in its meditation room for Muslims to break their fast and provided ashes for patients, visitors, and staff, respectively. The chaplains' work aims to foster a sense of hope and confidence among patients and their families, and they strive to provide comfort and peace to patients during their hospital stay.
In recognition of its commitment to patient safety, Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center received an 'A' Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for both Fall 2024 and Spring 2024. This award signifies the hospital's achievement in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. Leah, an unspecified representative from the medical center, expressed pride in the recognition received.
The hospital boasts a staff of six full- and part-time clinically trained chaplains, who are called upon in times of emotional or spiritual distress, serious illness, difficult treatment decisions, geographical separation from spiritual support, prayer, ritual, blessing, religious resources, moral or ethical dilemmas, grief, anticipated loss, unexpected death, new or poor diagnosis/prognosis, end of life, and contacting community clergy.
For more detailed information about the spiritual care services offered at Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, contacting the medical center directly or visiting their official website is recommended. The latest report about the 'A' Hospital Safety Grade was published on November 19, 2024, and was reported in both the "Health" and "City News" sections.
- Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center extends their spiritual care services beyond religious practices, also offering mental-health support for patients and staff during times of crisis or emotional distress.
- The community news section recently reported on the medical center's holistic approach, acknowledging their commitment to community news, health-and-wellness, and mental-health initiatives, including spiritual care services tailored to diverse beliefs.
