Chapters Health System Affiliates Receive Accreditation from the National Institute for Jewish Hospice
Tampa, Florida (PRWEB) December 03, 2015 -- Chapters Health System affiliates recently received accreditation from the National Institute for Jewish Hospice (NIJH). HPH Hospice was awarded its first accreditation, while LifePath Hospice and Good Shepherd Hospice were re-accredited for the eighth straight year. Established in 1985, the NIJH makes healthcare providers aware of the many unique needs of terminally ill patients of the Jewish faith. The affiliates of Chapters Health join 225 other hospice organizations from around the United States and six others in the state of Florida that have taken the necessary steps to earn NIJH accreditation.
“NIJH accreditation requires that all staff and volunteers become familiar with various aspects of the Jewish observance in terms of death and mourning, medical ethics and caring for hospice patients,” said Peggy Bertels, Chief Operating Officer at Chapters Health. “In 2007 when LifePath Hospice and Good Shepherd Hospice first received their NIJH accreditation, we created an education plan to teach staff and volunteers about these customs and the resources available to them. For HPH Hospice, we will utilize the same plan as it worked so well for our other affiliates.”
According to Bertels, the NIJH operates a 24-hour hotline where operators can counsel families, patients and caregivers, with NIJH staff available during emergency situations. The organization also provides booklets and tapes that can be utilized in the education of staff and volunteers.
“At Chapters Health, we respect all faiths and want to provide our patients with those religious traditions that allow them to experience as full a life as possible,” added Allyson Moskowitz, Director of Social Services, Bereavement and Volunteers at Chapters Health. “Our NIJH accreditation allows us to reach that goal.”
Phoebe Ochman, Chapters Health System and Affiliates, http://www.chaptershealth.org, +1 (813) 871-8025, [email protected]
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