On Ash Wednesday this year, Chaplain Gwynneth Livesay (LIVE AH SAY) provided patients at Methodist Hospital with the traditional ashes. Listening closely as she approached them, she spoke to each one in Spanish or English depending on the language spoken by the patient. Livesay is one of five chaplains on the pastoral care staff at Methodist Hospital fluent in both English and Spanish. Several others speak enough to do a basic visit and others currently are taking classes in Spanish.

Being hospitalized is an especially stressful time for most people, and a language barrier only intensifies the situation. Even among Hispanics who can speak English, the vulnerability of being ill often causes them to revert to the language they are most comfortable with, which often is Spanish.

“Seeing the light that comes on in patients’ eyes when they see someone they can communicate with in their own language is very rewarding,” said Livesay. “Patients experience a sense of relief when they don’t have to be concerned that their English is correct, just that they are being heard. When a Spanish-speaking chaplain is there, the patient doesn’t have to go through an adult child or another relative for spiritual care. Instead, a door opens that provides a level of comfort and privacy for the person to express whatever needs they choose to share.”

Since Methodist Healthcare facilities serve patients from throughout South and Central Texas, as well as Mexico, Livesay hears many variations of the Spanish language. They include a Tex-Mex mix, a Rio Grande Valley variation and Spanish as spoken by people from Mexico.

With advance notice Chaplain Livesay is available for interviews on how speaking Spanish helps her bridge the cultural barrier with patients and bring them the spiritual support that they need. We also may be able to identify a patient who is willing to be interviewed.

If you are interested in doing a story, please phone Shirley Wills at 822-2378 or 365-4488(cell) or JoAnn King, 575-0171 or 325-3294 (cell). For media assistance during the weekend, please phone Methodist Hospital, 575-4000, and ask for the public relations representative on call.