Phelps Hospital Holds Interfaith "Blessing of Hands"

On Tuesday, October 30, Phelps Hospital hosted a Blessing of Hands interfaith service. Lead by Rev. Carole Johanssen, the hospital’s chaplin coordinator, a team of clergy members from different faiths enacted the Blessing of Hands, a ritual that recognizes the holiness of patient care by blessing the hands that perform it. The ceremony marked a major update of hospital facilities by Northwell Health, Phelps' parent company.

The event took place on 3 North, a new surgical unit of the hospital, which provides private patient rooms that have the aesthetics of a hotel. Many of these rooms have views of the Hudson River. Additionally, they feature equipment that minimizes the amount of noise and ‘beeps’ that can be disruptive to a patient’s rest. The hospital recently expanded its offerings in the area of surgical weight loss and the facilities are designed especially to provide comfortable care for patients who require bariatric surgery.

President and CEO of Phelps, Daniel Blum said, “Today we recognize everyone on the Phelps team who provides direct care to patients, from nurses and doctors to hospitality and environmental staff, aides and technicians. We are grateful to everyone who cares for patients and we honor their commitment.”

Following Blum’s remarks, multi denominational prayers were offered by Rev. Johanssen, along with Rev. Tenku Ruff, a board certified chaplain and president of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association in Chappaqua, and Rabbi David Holtz of Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown.

Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health System, skipped a trip to Washington D.C. driving from Long Island to attend the event, He remarked, “This tradition that we are experiencing today reminds us of our common humanity. We bring people together from different denominations, different cultures, different parts of the world and different professional areas to do good things together. It provides a sense of unity that is unique, and that illustrates the community spirit of Phelps Hospital.”

For more information visit www.phelpshospital.org