MedWest-Haywood and the MedWest pastoral care team announce the dedication of the hospital chapel at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28.

The chapel, though original to the hospital, was in need of renovation to provide a place of respite for patients and visitors. Renovations include new seating, carpet and lighting, the removal of a dividing wall, and fresh coats of paint. Perhaps the greatest addition is accessibility for handicapped persons, which was not previously available.

“We hope it will be a welcoming and quite place of peace, comfort and hope – a place of prayer and contemplation,” said Ron Allen, director of chaplaincy services for MedWest. “We want it to be a place where persons of all faiths can find sanctuary and direction for the unclear paths they must journey when life and health may be threatened for them or a loved one.”

Michael Revord, Med-West-Haywood chaplain, has been instrumental in the renovation process, as well as the daily spiritual care needs of patients and visitors. Revord was previously with Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and has been with MedWest since 2010.

Judy Ross, president of the Haywood Auxiliary, which funded the renovations, has similar hopes for the updated space.

“The Auxiliary is pleased to help provide a peaceful place for patients and their families, she said. “We are especially glad that everyone will now have access to the chapel.”

Chapel renovations were made possible through the support of the auxiliary, whose volunteer efforts have provided services, scholarships, equipment, and more to the hospital for more than 15 years. The auxiliary takes part in community events, and helps provide quality healthcare to the community with compassion.

All are invited to be a part of the chapel dedication. The chapel is located on the second floor of MedWest-Haywood.

For more information on the Haywood Auxiliary, or how to become a volunteer, visit www.medwesthealth.org.