Support and Social Services
Mercy Bakersfield believes that total patient care demands attention to the spiritual, as well as the physical and emotional needs of each patient. Members of the spiritual care staff are available to assist people of all faiths. Your own clergy or advisor is welcome at any time. Spiritual or cultural practices can be performed in the hospital if they do not interfere with your care or the care of other patients.
Chaplaincy Services
Chaplains are available to you daily in our hspital. Chaplians provide supportive listening and a gentle presence. Sometimes they are called on to help with value clarification as you make difficult decisions. Chaplains can connect you with your local clergy. A chaplain is on call in the evening for urgent needs. Chaplains are here for you, to journey with you during your hospital stay, to be persons of peace and joy for you. If you wish to see a chaplain, ask your nurse. A chapel is located on the first floor for use 24 hours a day.
Support Team
They have the support of a team of volunteers who provide hospitality, listening and compassionate care to our patients. Some of the volunteers are Catholic Ministers of the Eucharist who bring Communion.
Hours
Normal working hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A chaplain is on call between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM for crisis situations. Chaplains can be contacted through the hospital operator (661 632-5000).
Patient Education
The Foundation for the Advancement of Medicine and Education (FAME) is a patient-education and information network designed to improve the health literacy of the community as well as the quality of patient care. A primary focus of FAME is its health education website - mercyhealtheducation.com. FAME provides reliable information and resource links and couples it with educational programming from local health experts.
Special Services
Mercy Hospital offers a variety of special services to make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. These special services include the following:
- Interpreters The hospital has access to interpreters, using CyraCom, which provides access to over 150 languages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please ask your nurse for assistance.
- For the Hearing Impaired A telecommunications device is available to help hearing impired patients or patients who want to communicate with a hearing impaired relative or friend. Arrangements can also be made to have a person who uses sign language help a hearing impaired or deaf patient. Please ask your nurse for assistance.
- For the Visually Impaired Please let your nurse know if you have any special needs.
