Pastoral Care- Furthering Southern NH Health’s Mission of Patient-Centered Care

By Sebastien Falardeau, Director of Pastoral Care, Southern New Hampshire Health

As a nonprofit health system, caring for people is at the heart of Southern New Hampshire Health’s mission and guides everything we do. That care goes beyond medical treatment. It includes emotional support, spiritual presence, and human connection. This is the purpose of our Pastoral Care program. 

Pastoral Care walks alongside patients, families, and staff during some of life’s most difficult moments. Whether someone is facing stress, illness, grief, fear, or uncertainty, our role is simple and deeply meaningful. We listen. We sit. We offer comfort and hope. 

Being There When It Matters Most 

 Our Pastoral Care team provides spiritual support and comfort to patients and families facing loss, anxiety, spiritual distress, or major life changes. We also care for our staff, who give so much of themselves while caring for others. 

Through each conversation, prayer, quiet moment, or shared silence, we honor the dignity and story of every person. This presence is a core part of patient-centered care. Healing is not only physical. Emotional and spiritual support matters too. 

Supporting Healing Through Mindfulness and Emotional Care 

Our team continues to find new ways to support healing across Southern New Hampshire Health. Last year, we partnered with behavioral health and cardiac rehabilitation programs to offer mindfulness, reflection, and emotional support for our patients.  

Through guided conversations and brief mindfulness practices, patients were introduced to tools designed to ease stress, strengthen resilience, and create moments of calm. Developed in close partnership with our interdisciplinary care teams, these offerings help ensure that spiritual and emotional support are thoughtfully integrated into every step of the healing journey. 

Caring for the Caregivers 

Patient-centered care also means caring for those who provide it. Supporting staff wellbeing is a vital part of our mission. 

Two of our most meaningful staff initiatives are Tea for the Soul and Compassion Café. This year, we offered 24 Tea for the Soul visits and 31 Compassion Cafés, each one bringing care, connection, and encouragement to our staff in 22 departments. 

Tea for the Soul is a mobile cart filled with warm drinks, snacks, music, and kindness. Each visit is designed to bring a smile and remind staff that they are seen and appreciated. 

Compassion Café creates a quiet, welcoming space where staff can pause and simply be themselves. There is no agenda. Just listening, conversation, and presence. Some share joy. Others share stress or fatigue. All are met with respect and care. 

Again and again, staff tell us how much these moments matter. A small pause can make a long day feel lighter. 

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Hope 

As we look ahead to expanding our offerings, the Pastoral Care Department remains deeply committed to serving our community. It is a privilege to walk alongside patients, families, and staff in moments of challenge, reflection, and healing. 

I am deeply grateful to our team for their compassion and creativity, and to our leadership for their steady support and vision. Together, we continue to ensure that care at Southern New Hampshire Health is not only excellent, but deeply human. 

At the center of our mission is this promise: compassionate care is with you every step of the way. 

Learn more about Pastoral Care