Volunteers assure that patients don't die alone

Milford Regional is part of a wave of hospitals nationwide that are implementing volunteer programs with the goal of making sure patients have companionship when they pass away. About one-third of all deaths still occur in hospitals, despite efforts to discourage this. Boston Medical Center, which treats many homeless patients who are estranged from their families, adopted a similar program about two years ago. BMC recruits its own employees for vigils, including the hospital's associate general counsel, an executive assistant, and a manager in information technology. The idea emerged 15 years ago at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Oregon, where Sandra Clarke worked the night shift as a critical care nurse.