Press Releases25 Nov 15

Archbishop Focuses on Healthcare Chaplaincy

At the start of November the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Richard Clarke, highlighted and affirmed the work of healthcare chaplains through a visit to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, and a meeting with Church of Ireland chaplains serving in this area of ministry.

On Friday, 6th November, Archbishop Clarke had the opportunity to view the new emergency department and talk with medical and administrative staff before meeting members of the chaplaincy team.

The new department, which also serves as the regional trauma centre for Northern Ireland, opened its doors in August. It forms part of the hospital’s new critical care building. The Archbishop observed how all areas of the department operate during a walk–through visit. Staff also explained how a new relatives’ room provides a quiet and reflective space for family members affected by trauma.

Archbishop Clarke with Royal Victoria Hospital emergency department clinical director John Maxwell and nurse consultant Geraldine Byers.

The following week, 13 Church of Ireland hospital and hospice chaplains from across Northern Ireland met with the Archbishop in Armagh to share their experiences of working in what is a very specialised type of ministry.

“Healthcare chaplaincy is both a great privilege and an opportunity for the church to serve people who are often concerned about their well–being and that of their friends and relatives,” Archbishop Clarke commented.

He went on to speak of how impressed he had been by the hard work of staff and chaplains at the Royal Victoria Hospital and how the visit had provided a fresh insight into the pressures which they faced, particularly at this time of year.

“Our health professionals provide an excellent service to our community, from which we all benefit,” the Archbishop added. “They deserve our fullest support – prayerfully and practically – as they seek to improve the well–being of others and maintain high standards of care and dignity.”

The above article was first published in the Church of Ireland Gazette.