Chaplains support for people in hospital

Thursday January 4th 2024

Clergy and lay readers across the diocese are encouraged to keep in touch with hospital chaplains to let them know if a parishioner is in hospital and if there is any support the chaplains can provide.

The Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth, chaplain at Antrim Area Hospital, said: “The diocese is blessed to have hospital chaplains in hospital sites across the Northern, Belfast and South Eastern Trusts.

“Hospital chaplains play a vital role providing spiritual and religious care to all patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. Chaplains also ensure that when patients are in hospital, wherever possible they will contact church leaders to advise them on the person and where they are.”

Jonny continued: “Whilst every effort is made to know when parishioners are in hospital, it is not always possible or should it be assumed that chaplains know this. We would therefore encourage all clergy and lay readers to stay in touch with chaplains if they know a parishioner has been admitted or if there is any support that the chaplains could provide, especially if there are pressing demands on the clergy.”

A full list of Connor hospital chaplains is available HERE.