CHICAGO, IL (June 4, 2010) – José LaLuz has assumed the position of director of the Pastoral Care Department at Swedish Covenant Hospital, it was announced today.

A member of the pastoral care team since joining the staff as a chaplain in 1999, he replaces Ruthanne Werner who recently retired.

LaLuz recently achieved his board certification from the Association of Professional Chaplains. He is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

“Many patients, families, and employees have been blessed by his ministry,” says Janis Rueping, SCH vice president of quality and risk management, in making the announcement.

Rueping also announced the addition of Melanie Tornquist to the Pastoral Care Department as a staff chaplain. Also an ordained minister with the Covenant Church, Tornquist served for many years as staff chaplain at Rush North Shore (now Skokie) Hospital as well as several years in parish ministry.