The current ratio of employees to non-employees is about 60 to 40. Volunteers are asked to serve at least one year supporting patients, families and hospital staff. Before assignment to a Hospital unit, a new member of the Volunteer Pastoral Visitor Team receives intensive instruction in non-judgmental listening skills. The volunteer receives continual guidance through two supervisory sessions per month. When one has spiritual support, they have a greater ownership of their wellness.
Spirituality is now more a part of the care plan throughout a patient's hospital experience.
The Pastoral Care Department, consisting of a rabbi, priest, minister and lay minister, began the group in 1986 to better meet the high volume of spiritual needs within the Hospital. More than 3,500 visits were made in 1997.