Cathedral appeal benefits Bangladesh maternity hospital

 The Archbishop of Wales (second from right) visiting Bollobhpur Hospital with the Bishop of Bangladesh, Paul Sarker (fourth from right)

Llandaff Cathedral is dedicating its Lent Appeal this year to a maternity hospital going back to the Victorian era.

Bollobhpur Hospital in Bangladesh provides medical services and community care to people living close to the border with India.

The hospital is run by the Church of Bangladesh and has 30 beds.

Women are also able to receive training in nursing and midwifery at the hospital.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan paid a visit to the hospital during a trip to Bangladesh last year.

There is an additional connection as Llandaff Diocese is twinned with the Church of Bangladesh.

The Archbishop said Bollobhpur Hospital was making a massive difference to the community.

He praised the way in which staff were serving the community despite the basic facilities at the hospital, where the beds being used today are the same as over a century ago.

"We may sometimes think equipment in the NHS in Wales is out-of-date but at least we have seen several generations of beds over the past 100 years – it's something we take for granted," said Dr Morgan.

"That is not the case in Bollobhpur, however, where medical staff are struggling to cope with basic equipment which is no longer fit for purpose. I was amazed to see beds which were so old and cumbersome still being used.

"However, prioritising care for the most vulnerable in society, the new born child, is something both cultures have in common. It is our hope that this Lent through prayer and generosity we may show the love of Christ to our partner Church in Bangladesh and help those served by the hospital."

News
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English

Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, was one of the most important popes, and his positive legacy is still felt today - not least in Britain. This is the story … 

Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”.