EVESHAM and Pershore’s Community Hospitals have welcomed a new chaplain when Andy Green was handed the role.
During a Service of Commissioning on January 22, the Rt Rev Michael Hooper, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Worcester formally confirmed the appointment of Andy Green.
Attending the service were the matrons of both hospitals, the Bishop’s Adviser on Healthcare, local clergy and staff from across the hospital: porters, housekeeping team members, catering staff, leisure facilitators, physios and healthcare assistants.
The occasion was also an opportunity to champion the work of healthcare chaplaincy and raise its profile within the community.
“Chaplaincy is far removed from the traditional view held by many that a Chaplain only attends to the dying and to Christians,” Andy said.
“Modern chaplaincy provides spiritual care and pastoral support to patients of all faiths and none and, this support extends to relatives, carers and, importantly, staff too.
“Religious support is of course provided as appropriate, embracing an ecumenical approach to support all denominations. NHS hospital guidelines 2015 Promoting Excellence in Pastoral, Spiritual and Religious Care embrace all the above points and my appointment is very much in accordance with these latest guidelines and best practice,” he added.
The date chosen for the commissioning service had a particular meaning for Andy as it would have been his late father Laurie’s 90th birthday.
He was delighted that, at 86, his mother was able to attend along with his wife who, with his wider family, have been hugely supportive of his ministerial training.
As an Authorised Lay Minister and in his final year of training as a Licensed Lay Minister, Andy feels privileged to have been appointed to this post at this early stage.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement that I have received from colleagues at the hospitals, from within the diocese and from my fellow chaplains and I would like to express my thanks to you all.
“I also appreciate and give thanks for the many prayers that have been offered on my behalf,” he added.
