Hospital chaplain named ambassador of the month

Submitted by JOHNSTON HEALTH

SMITHFIELD — Johnston Health has recognized Leigh Ross, clinical chaplain and volunteer services coordinator in Clayton, as Ambassador of the Month.

During a recent presentation, CEO Tom Williams said Ross stands ready to help teammates, patients and families through difficult situations.

“She is a ray of light, a beacon of support to those around her,” he said. “She is a blessing. She gives generously of herself. She is always by our side.”

During a particularly rough stretch of the pandemic, Ross put together a debriefing and reflection time to help with stress.

“It gave our teammates an outlet to express bottled up feelings and emotions,” Williams said.

Across both campuses, clinical chaplains have helped teammates in other ways, too, by setting up respite rooms and spiritual and emotional first aid stations in break rooms.

Ross, who grew up in Four Oaks, worked in a variety of ministry settings before completing a master’s degree in divinity. As part of her clinical chaplain education, she interned at Duke Raleigh and completed a residency at WakeMed Raleigh. She joined Johnston Health in January 2019.

“Regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, religion or preferences, suffering is part of being human,” she said. “My goal is to support and assist people and offer comfort as they face suffering, and to help them make meaning of their lives. Hospital chaplaincy allows unique opportunities to encourage hope in others.”

In her spare time, Ross enjoys listening to music and spending time with her 11-year-old son, Dylan. They live in Clayton.

Through the ambassador program, Johnston Health recognizes employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork and offer excellent service.

In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Ross will receive eight hours of paid time off.