The Chaplaincy Program at Novato Community Hospital provides emotional and spiritual support services for all patients and their families and friends. These services are available 'round the clock, 7 days a week. It is an interfaith, non-sectarian service that is available to all, regardless of religious affiliation or faith tradition or lack of the same. Our purpose is to assist patients and others through difficult or stressful times. We offer assistance for patients in finding and using emotional and spiritual resources during illness and support for family and friends during times of anxiety, loss and grief.

Chaplains also assist patients and families with understanding and completing Advance Health Care Directives and with resolving bioethical and end of life concerns and dilemmas.

Novato Community Hospital Chaplains are able to arrange for ministry from the clergy of patient and family preference.

The Chaplaincy Program also provides emotional and spiritual services for hospital staff as needed or requested.

A Chaplain may be contacted at any time through the hospital operator at (415) 209-1300 and non-urgent messages may be left at (415) 209-1472.

Education and Training

The Novato Community Hospital Chaplaincy Program provides on-site training, supervision, and experience in pastoral care, crisis intervention, and spiritual support for clergy, for theological students and other interested individuals. Chaplain trainees serve terms of six to twelve months under the supervision of the Coordinator of Chaplaincy Services, learning to function effectively in an acute care medical setting.

Contact Bruce Murphy, Coordinator of Chaplaincy Services at Novato Community Hospital, (415) 209-1472, for more information.