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The Business of Health Care Report
Today, I'll discuss what it means to
be a faith-based health care system. At Texas Health Resources, caring for
the whole person - body, mind and spirit - is the primary focus. Chaplains lead worship
services in on-site chapels at each THR hospital and comfort and counsel patients, families,
physicians and volunteers. That's probably the most visible aspect of THR's faith-based
efforts. Often, though, the melding of
spirituality and healing is at work in less visible places. A little more than a year ago,
something happened at a THR hospital that illustrates this concept perfectly. Byron Yarborough, a Nebraska resident,
suffered a life-threatening aortic aneurysm while in Fort Worth on business. Thinking he
was having a heart attack, Byron and two of his coworkers began searching for a hospital.
As they drove along I-30, Byron saw something familiar - the cross-and-flame symbol of the
Methodist Church brightly shining atop Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital. The lifelong
Methodist told his friends to take him there. His condition was grave. Doctors said
that few people survive such a massive aneurysm. Knowing his chances were slim, Byron
phoned home from his emergency room bed. This previously healthy 37 year old faced leaving
behind his wife and two young children. He called his family to say goodbye. Before entering surgery, however,
nurses, a hospital chaplain and several of Byron's coworkers joined hands around him
and began praying for his recovery. It was an emotional time for everyone. Earlier this year, a healthy Byron
Yarborough returned to Fort Worth on the one-year anniversary of his successful surgery.
He smiled for the cameras. He hugged his caregivers. And he gave thanks for finding a
faith-based hospital when he needed it most. For Texas Health Resources
and its family of hospitals - Harris Methodist Hospitals, Presbyterian
Healthcare System and Arlington Memorial Hospital - I'm CEO
Doug Hawthorne
with "The Business of Health Care Report" on NewsRadio 1080 KRLD.
©
2003 Texas Health Resources |
I'm Doug Hawthorne, President and CEO of Texas Health Resources, with
"The Business of Health Care Report" on 