Pastoral and Spiritual Care

Chaplains serve as members of the care team, providing supportive pastoral, emotional and spiritual care. Our professional chaplains are theologically and clinically trained and have special education and advanced training in ministering in the hospital setting.

Visit with a chaplain

Chaplains provide visits for spiritual and emotional support. We understand that a medical diagnosis, illness or injury often evokes a range of feelings and raises questions about meaning, purpose and faith. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center provides specially trained chaplains who are part of the health care team. Our chaplains understand the spiritual and emotional concerns that are unique to a serious illness or medical condition and are available to help meet the needs of patients, family members and staff of all faiths, as well as those who are spiritual but not religious. Chaplains visit patients while making rounds on units and also upon request.

Learn more about the roles of a chaplain

Sanctuaries

Our sanctuaries, or chapels, are open 24 hours a day for individual reflection and prayer, and socially distanced seating is provided. They can be found in the following locations:

• University Hospital in Rhodes Hall – fifth floor in the Atrium
• The James Cancer Hospital Pauline and Leonard Schnipke Sanctuary – first floor in The James
• Brain and Spine Hospital – first floor in the lobby area
• East Hospital – first floor at the main entrance
• Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center – first floor near the lobby