Congregations may wish to distribute communion to their members who are patients at Lancaster General Hospital. Although this is a common and desirable practice in the hospital setting, a few guidelines may be helpful:
- Requests for communion by patients or families will be forwarded to the appropriate congregation or will be handled by a Lancaster General chaplain. Roman Catholic patients’ names will be placed on the daily distribution list.
- Always ask the patient if they are able and willing to receive communion. Remember to honor and respect a patient’s wishes during this time of crisis, illness, or heightened vulnerability.
- Observe “NPO” (nothing by mouth) signs posted outside the patient room or “Swallowing Precautions” signs posted about the patient bed. Never administer communion when these signs are observed. It is advisable to check with nursing staff to determine when these restrictions may be lifted or if perhaps a small piece of the host can be safely ingested.
- Never administer communion to a patient who is sleeping, unconscious, acutely ill, or using a ventilator/respirator. If in doubt, speak with the nurse.
The reception of communion may be a source of great strength and hope for patients in the hospital. Following these guidelines may make it an even more meaningful experience of spiritual healing and renewal.