New chapel is vital asset for patients and staff at hospital

In addition to serving patients and their families and friends at Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, recently opened a chapel proved vital for staff members who need a place to pray, meditate or reflect, a volunteer chaplain said.

Jeff Schiffmayer, who volunteers once a week in the hospital, 18200 Katy Freeway at Barker Cypress, told how the recent deaths of two nurses allocated and physicians involved in their treatment.

"It was terrible for everybody," he said. "But having a place for staff to go for their personal use has been helpful."

Schiffmayer said the chapel is to see increased traffic and serves as a refuge for people of all faiths.

He said more people will look for messages of prayer be on the "Tree of Hope" which stands inside.

Patients are encouraged to suspend prayer cards on the "tree".

Volunteers then offer prayers for the thoughts and requests that have been written on the cards.

A dedication ceremony on June 30 brought the clergy of the Jewish, Protestant, Islamic, Catholic, and to bless the establishment of light, which is on the third floor atrium between the inpatient hospital and wings as an outpatient.

The structure features stained glass oval embossed with the circles reflect the design themes and elements appearing child throughout the hospital.

"We feel the spiritual needs are as important as the needs of health care," said Michelle Riley-Brown, vice president of West Campus, which was among the directors, staff, volunteers and families attended the ceremony.

Riley-Brown said the staff of the hospital serves a diverse population, and it is vital to meet the needs of people of all faiths who work or come to the facility.

Patients' families are encouraged to invite their own religious leaders to the hospital for spiritual support and guidance in the healing process.

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