From The Beginning
Pastoral Care Services in connection with the Southwest Texas Conference United Methodist Church continues to play a vital role in the formation (1955) of Methodist Hospital and throughout its life and ministry within and outside the San Antonio community.  Again in the "partnership" agreement of 1994 between Methodist Hospital and HCA along with the Southwest Texas Conference United Methodist Church, the ministry of pastoral care was at the heart with the formation of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.  As one hospital has grown into San Antonio's largest health care system with over 15 facilities and community benefits in excess of 98 million with a partnership that is now the largest non-profit organization that expends over $40 million in serving the underserved, Pastoral Care is in the midst of it all.

Chaplains
Pastoral care is how we go about God's business within the world.  We lend our expertise in affirming God's call on our lives with education.

1) Masters/Doctors degree in Theology/Ministry internship
2) One to two years in a hospital/clinical setting
3) Ecclesiastical recognition
    Ordination, endorsement, certification by our respective religious organization
4) National Reviews
    Accreditation by professional organizations

Our Standards of Pastoral Care are:
Assessment: The chaplain gathers and evaluates relevant data pertinent to the patient's situation and/or bio-psycho-social-spiritual/religious health.

Delivery of Care: The chaplain develops and implements a plan of care to promote patient well-being and continuity of care.

Documentation of Care: The chaplain enters information into the patient's medical record that is relevant to the patient's medical, psycho-social and spiritual/religious goals of care.

Teamwork and Collaboration: The chaplain actively and clearly collaborates with the organization's interdisciplinary care team.

Ethical Practice: The chaplain adheres to the Common Code of Ethics, which guides decision making and professional behavior.

Confidentiality: The chaplain respects the confidentiality of information from all sources, including the patient, medical record, other team members and family members, and abides by all applicable laws and regulations.

Community Benefits
At any point in time within our humanness we may encounter disharmony.  These encounters can become so severe that mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well being is fully tested.  Methodist Healthcare Pastoral Care Services is prepared with professional personnel to meet person(s) where they are and move them to where they and God want them to be on their journey toward healing and wholeness.  Our joining others on this journey can be facilitated through the following structured programs and yet could be as informal as sitting quietly with someone.

 Please click here to see our "Programs for personal and team growth."