Abstract:

The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which occurred in Canada, notably Toronto, in spring 2003 gave rise to two responses which together have profoundly affected the healthcare environment:_ stringent infection control measures, and fear of an unknown enemy. From his perspective as chaplain resident at Toronto General Hospital, the author describes the chaplaincy response to the ‘new normal’ in hospital life. He identifies the problems created, and stresses the need to adapt to a new healthcare environment ‘behind the mask’.

Author: Bruce Pierce