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25 and 10 years of commitment to patients honored
At the Darmstadt Clinic, three long-serving volunteers of the ecumenical visiting service were honored during a church service. Ulla Rüblinger and Hiltrud Schweitzer received awards for 25 years of service each, while Sabine Beck was recognized for ten years of service to others.
Celebration within a religious setting
The ceremony took place in the hospital's conference room and was led by hospital chaplains Linda Linnert (Protestant) and Christine Schlechtriem and Monika Eberl-Reifenberg (Catholic). In addition to words of blessing, the honorees received certificates from the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt, as well as small candle crosses and flowers. Around 20 guests, including staff, former members of the visiting service, family members, and other chaplains, attended the celebration. Gudrun Wiediger, on the piano.
Serving humanity for 38 years
The visiting service has been in operation for 38 years and is overseen by the hospital chaplaincy. The three honorees have been integral members of the service for many years
- Sabine Beck cares for neurological patients on ward 13 D.
- Ulla Rüblinger is involved in the women's clinic on ward 11 D.
- Hiltrud Schweitzer accompanies people on surgical ward 14 E.
Their task is to give patients time, to listen to them, and to facilitate human-to-human encounters.
The value of time is central
In her speech, Linda Linnert emphasized that time is a particularly valuable resource in everyday hospital life: "In addition to medical care, recovery requires humanity, care, trust, closeness and time." Conversations at the bedside can make everyday matters fade into the background and open up new perspectives.
The pastoral care workers summarized the self-image of the visiting service in five key points: appreciative encounters, confidential conversations, words and listening from the heart, sharing treasures and gifts of grace, and the willingness to give and receive.
(DARMSTADT – RED/EDD)
