Spiritual Support

At Desert Care Network, we are here to meet the spiritual needs of patients, their supporters, staff and volunteers.  A volunteer chaplain, who is specially trained for ministry in a hospital setting, is available to our patients and their family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your own priest, rabbi or minister is always welcome at Desert Care Network and may utilize the assistance and support of our hospital chaplain.

Patients can request a chaplain or arrange a visit from their own clergy by asking their nurse or calling Spiritual Services at extension 6165. If calling from outside the hospital, that direct number is (760) 323-6165. If you cannot reach anyone in the department, please call the hospital operator by dialing ‘0’ or (760) 323-6511.

Services and support provided

For Patients:

  • Visitation/spiritual counseling
  • Pre/post-surgical visits

For Family/Friends:

  • Hospitality/orientation to campus
  • Ethics counsel
  • Grief counsel
  • Bereavement care
  • Interpreters available

For Clergy & Congregations:

  • Church/Synagogue notification
  • Liaison with out-of-town patients/clergy

For Staff:

  • Disaster support community outreach
  • Emergency baptism/baby dedications
Sacraments/Ordinances: 
  • Reconciliation
  • Communion
  • Emergency baptism/baby dedications
  • Anointing the sick
  • Funeral/memorial