Future of Worcester hospitals chaplaincy secured

The Chairman and Chief Executive of Worcester Royal Hospitals NHS Trust have confirmed that chaplaincy provision at the Trust is secure for the future.

Speaking during a pastoral visit by the Rt Rev Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester and Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council, and Chief Executive of the Trust, John Rostill confirmed that chaplaincy provision would return to the Trust's budget next year.

The interim arrangements, supported by the Leagues of Friends of the three hospitals, will cease.

"We are so grateful for the wholehearted support from the Leagues at our time of crisis. Robust management has eased our financial situation and we are delighted to affirm the work and place of chaplaincy within the organisation," commented Mr Rostill.

Welcoming the news, Bishop Michael said: "I am delighted with this positive news about chaplaincy at Worcester. We can now look forward with confidence. It is time to draw a line and move on.

"The last year or so has been demanding on the chaplaincy team but they have been resilient and kept their focus on providing quality care for patients and staff.

"I was also very impressed by the volunteers I met on my visit to the hospitals. Please keep the vital work of chaplains as well as the NHS in your prayers."

In a separate move, an All Party Parliamentary Group for Chaplaincy in the NHS has been set up to help ensure that chaplaincy provision remains an integral part of the holistic care offered by the NHS.

This group will include members of all faiths, from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Chairman of the group is Mike Penning MP (Hemel Hempstead); the Vice Chairman is David Burrowes MP (Southend); the Secretary is the Lord Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Christopher Herbert; and the Treasurer is Alan Simpson MP (Nottingham South).