The Catholic Religion in the Health Care

Part I Handbook Introduction

“We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person” (Catholic Social Teaching). Our facility is established on the fundamental Catholic principles that we are all Christ, we all have a right to human dignity and that life is precious. We are committed to providing healthcare to all; regardless of income, gender, race, religion or culture.

The Catholic belief in healthcare for all is evident in the establishment of the modern American hospital. Christian Catholic clergy early in American history provided compassionate, charitable care for the poor, indigent and wounded soldiers. Our facility integrates the fundamental beliefs of these earlier Catholic pioneers, modern medical advancements and a holistic approach to provide care for today’s patient and community. We offer individualized attention, listen to the needs of the person and give The Anointing of the Sick to ensure a spiritual connection is readily available. We also recognize the various spiritual and religious needs of the community we serve. We are connected to multiple religious and cultural organizations to assist us to provide care for the community as a whole; patients, loved ones, and staff.

Our facility provides holistic care of the body, mind, and soul. We believe that healing begins when all aspects of the individual are addressed. A person is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery in which to live for. We provide compassionate care based on the Christian Catholic Doctrines of the Church such as the Catechism, Catholic Social Teachings, the Gospel and the modern interpretation of the Catholic faith by our Church leaders. We mimic the actions and teachings of Christ and provide care to all with a focus on the poorest. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest.” If we are to recognize Christ in the poorest, we must provide care for the poorest and most vulnerable while they are experiencing illness, suffering, pain or approaching death. If Christ were seeking health care, no one should turn him away. Jesus identified himself with everyone; therefore, when you serve one of God’s children, you also serve Jesus. Our facility works with various charitable organizations and accepts charity to enable us to provide quality and necessary care for any ill person that enters our doorway.

Part II Morality Article

People approaching end-of-life, as well as their families and loved ones, require compassionate, and individualized spiritual holistic care. Our facility anticipates the needs of the person and recognizes the autonomy of the individual. We, as healthcare providers, will guide the person and their community to the decision that is best for them. We take into consideration your situation, anticipated outcome, religious beliefs, and needs. When anticipating death, our goal is to provide the person the opportunity for a ‘good’ death. Dying from illness can be inevitable. However, we will provide the opportunity to assist you in deciding what are the most important elements