Hunterdon Health knows that it is important to care for the whole person, which includes our patients’ emotional and spiritual health. The chaplain provides support for all faith backgrounds, including those who don’t identify with any particular faith. The goal of care is to provide guidance and encouragement in all life circumstances through a listening ear and a comforting presence. This includes tough end-of-life decisions, new realities given a changed health diagnosis, bereavement help, and funeral assistance. The chaplain is also involved with the ethics committee, Hunterdon Hospice, the Palliative Care Team, and supporting community clergy.
Available for You 24/7
The chaplain is available 24/7 and can be reached a number of ways. Within the hospital, ask any staff member and they can reach the chaplain by dialing ext. 6163. From outside the hospital, call 908-788-6163. For emergency situations, call the hospital operator at 908-788-6100.
A Catholic priest is available 24/7 and is supported by many volunteer Eucharistic Ministers. A Jewish rabbi is also available and is supported by volunteers as well. Both can be contacted in emergencies via the hospital operator or the chaplain.
If any patient indicates a place of worship, a volunteer staff member will contact the location to inform them about the hospital stay, given the patient’s consent. Likewise, if there is any patient from your congregation at the hospital that you believe would appreciate a visit, please contact the chaplain.
Our chapel is available with various religious and spiritual materials. It is open 24/7 and is designed to provide a quiet reflective space to pray, read, or meditate. It is located on the first floor behind the information desk and next to the auditorium. Please contact the chaplain with any questions or concerns.
Christopher Small, Chaplain
Growing up as the son of a pastor in Amarillo, Texas, Christopher Small has always been around and participated in ministry. He took this passion for ministry with him to Princeton Theological Seminary where he graduated with his Master of Divinity degree in 2015. Christopher first worked as a hospital chaplain at Princeton Medical Center at Plainsboro in 2013-2014. During this time as a chaplain, he became passionate about listening to and providing pastoral care for people dealing with grief, pain, and loss. Christopher also enjoys teaching and preaching in local churches.
Before becoming the chaplain at Hunterdon Medical Center, Christopher spent most of his days as a stay-at-home dad for his children where he honed his domestic skills and cooking abilities.