Press Releases08 Apr 14

Archbishop Richard Clarke visits the Southern Area Hospice, Newry

On Thursday the 3rd April the Southern Area Hospice hosted a visit from the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke. The Archbishop toured the Hospice facilities at St John’s House Newry, where he met with several patients, staff and volunteers. The Archbishop’s visit was arranged by the Revd Matthew Hagan, a member of the Hospice’s Chaplaincy Team.

In the Day Therapy Centre the Archbishop met with patients and volunteers where he chatted to them about their experiences and the activities available to them in the facility. Whilst there Archbishop Clarke led a short reflection. The Archbishop also met with patients and staff from the Inpatient Unit where he spent time listening to them, and was impressed at the level of care and dignity afforded to each one.

Mrs Ann Cooney, Chief Executive of the Southern Area Hospice said, ‘We are delighted that Archbishop Clarke has taken time in his schedule to visit our Hospice. The Archbishop is a Patron of the Hospice and it is good that he is able to see first–hand the level and range of care services we provide.’

Archbishop Clarke was shown around the Hospice by Mrs Carmel Campbell Nursing Director at the Hospice and Mrs Fiona Robinson Senior Social Worker (see above with the Revd Matthew Hagan and Chief Executive, Mrs Cooney). The Archbishop’s visit culminated in a meeting with members of the Hospice Senior Management Team, and at this meeting he was presented with a Southern Area Hospice History Booklet and Strategy Document.