For many of our patients and their families, spiritual care is a vital part of the time they spend at Temple Health. That’s why establishing our Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Space at Temple University Hospital-Main Campus has been such a priority for our Health System. This new space, which had its Grand Opening on April 2, 2024, welcomes individuals from all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life, and provides a nurturing environment for reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
“Having a dedicated space on the first floor of the hospital symbolizes our commitment to holistic healing and recognizes the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of our patients, their families, and our staff,” says Jocelyn Edathil, MD, PhD, FACP, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Co-Chief Patient Experience Officer.
The Office of Patient Experience worked closely with Abiona Berkeley, JD, MD, Medical Staff President for Temple Health, Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, and Interim Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Daniel del Portal, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Clinical Officer and Adjunct Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, as well as patient and community partners, to conceptualize and plan the space.
“Our goal was to create a space for our patients and their families to find solace and spiritual healing,” Dr. del Portal explained during his speech at the Grand Opening.
“We used a co-design model with local community spiritual leaders and members of our Temple University Hospital-Main Campus Patient Family Advisory Council to create a serene environment, filled with calming décor and soft lighting to foster an atmosphere of peace and tranquility,” Dr. Edathil elaborates.
The Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Center also offers Bibles and Korans in both English and Spanish as well as devotional materials, while those who would like Shabbat candles and rosaries can find them in the nearby Patient Experience office.
Funding for the new space came from the Medical Staff and the Temple Health Gala, and was supplemented by a generous personal donation from Temple Health’s CEO Michael Young, MHA, FACHE, in honor of his departed father, John P. Young.
At the Grand Opening, Young spoke about the importance of this new site, telling attendees, “On behalf of our patients, our families, and our staff, we’re so happy to have this space.” His mother, Mrs. Lois Young, was the ceremony’s guest of honor, and cut the ribbon to signal the official opening.
“It’s remarkable to have a Health System CEO be so committed to establishing an Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Space that he uses his own funds for the project,” Dr. Berkeley remarked at the Grand Opening.
She also gave her perspective on why the opening of this new space is so meaningful for our patients and community. “As healthcare workers, we’re very comfortable with the body, but when our patients come to us, they’re looking for so much more,” Dr. Berkeley said. “Everyone needs a space to feel still and to be able to reflect. This project is the physical manifestation of a true partnership between the Medical Staff, the hospital, the community, and the patients we serve.”
The Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Space is located on the ground floor of Temple University Hospital-Main Campus, 3401 N. Broad St., next to the Ontario East Lobby. It is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during visiting hours and by request.