After six months without a chaplain, the University Hospital hired Susan Roberts to take the position of spiritual leader for patients, faculty and staff.
Since starting her new job in September, Roberts has visited patients around the hospital, offering prayers and words of comfort. She also acts as a go-between to bring in patients’ religious leaders from the community if they ask.
“My main goal is to offer support and spiritual care for staff and patients, especially those making choices dealing with chronic pain, illness and death,” Roberts said.
Roberts received a Master of Divinity from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Calif. Roberts has considered opening a training program in chaplaincy at the hospital after seeing how much need there is for spiritual support, she said.
“It’s hard to meet the needs of everyone,” Roberts said. “I’m only one person.”
Roberts also plans to offer a quiet room for staff during stressful periods of time as a way to relax.
“She’s been doing a fantastic job so far,” said Mary Talboys, service director for the U Neuropsychiatric Institute. “The new programs she has been working on should be great.”
Roberts plans on starting a volunteer chaplaincy group to involve community clergy with the hospital and help hospital staff in working with patients and families in emotional situations.
In November, she organized an Interfaith Thanksgiving. Two dozen people of all faiths, including Latter-day Saint, Jewish and Catholic, came for prayer and singing, Talboys said. Roberts plans on holding a Winter Solstice Festival around Dec. 24 to help people to let go of grief before the New Year and hope for a better year.
Although she has help from the LDS leaders and Catholic priests who come by every week, there are 300 patients in the hospital needing support at the same time, she said.
“I really like my work here,” she said “Everyone has been very welcoming, and social services have been utilizing my services regularly.”