Pastoral and spiritual care

Our pastoral care chaplains offer a compassionate presence, a listening ear and other spiritual or emotional support. With respect for all faiths, chaplains perform prayers, sacraments or rituals.

To request a visit with a chaplain or access other spiritual services, talk with your care team or contact the Department of Chaplaincy from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James: 614-293-8791
  • East Hospital: 614-257-3255
  • During any other time, you can reach the on-call chaplain by calling the operator at 614-293-8000.

Learn more

Interpreter services and TTY or auxiliary aids

Interpreters are available for any patients or loved ones who have limited English proficiency or are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

If an interpreter is needed, please tell any staff member or let them know in writing or by pointing to our “I speak” posters to help identify your language.

For TTY and/or other auxiliary aids, call Patient Experience:

  • The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center or The James:
    Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 614-293-8944
    After hours, call 614-293-8000
  • East Hospital:
    Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 614-257-2310
    After hours, call 614-257-3000 and ask for the administrative nursing supervisor

Service and emotional support dogs

We understand the healing benefits and comfort supported by animals.

  • The medical center has a no-pets policy in all buildings.
  • Accompanied by their handler, service dogs are allowed in any buildings or public spaces where handlers are permitted.
  • Emotional support dogs may be allowed as an accommodation. Accommodation requests must be submitted in advance to the university’s Americans with Disabilities Act Office at 614-292-6207 or visit https://ada.osu.edu/resources/assistance-animals.
  • If you have questions, would like assistance planning for a service animal at The Ohio State University, need to arrange local veterinary care or have a concern about your treatment and access when accompanied by your service animal, contact the university’s Americans with Disabilities Act Office at 614-292-6207.

Patient experience team

The Patient Experience Department is dedicated to making your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our team is available to assist with any non-medical question or concerns related to your stay. All interactions between patients, or their representative, and our staff are confidential. If you would like to speak with a patient relations coordinator, please call Patient Experience:

  • Patient Experience Main Campus: 614-293-8944
  • Patient Experience East Hospital: 614-257-2310

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