NHS Golden Jubilee has expanded its Spiritual Care Team with the recent appointment of Joe Keenan to the new role of Chaplain.
Joe, who comes with substantial experience in delivering spiritual care, will now serve as Chaplain to the patients and staff of NHS Golden Jubilee and represents an investment in pastoral support for patients, visitors and staff at NHS Golden Jubilee.
The new Chaplain will provide confidential comfort and support to those who are facing difficult situations, such as living with illness or facing bereavement,
The role will also give pastoral, spiritual and religious care to patients, visitors and staff of all religions and beliefs, including those with non-religious beliefs.
Speaking of his new appointment, Joe said: “I am absolutely delighted to become part of this inclusive community at NHS Golden Jubilee.
“The Hospital provides holistic care to all patients and chaplains, as part of the interdisciplinary team, offer spiritual and emotional support for the wellbeing of everyone involved in the Hospital in whatever way we can.
“Sometimes when patients are at their lowest, it can help to have someone to listen and offer support and comfort. Being entrusted to listen to a fellow human being’s story compassionately and with reverence is an honour and I feel very privileged to be undertaking this role.
“Just having someone to think things through with; someone with the time to listen sometimes makes all the difference. We offer patients, and our staff, that chance to get some time and space with a person who, with empathy and unconditional positive regard, helps them to articulate what matters to them.”
NHS Golden Jubilee takes pride in delivering a quality, person-centred service for every patient - taking into account their specific needs and wishes, as well as being committed to supporting staff through a holistic approach to maximise their health and wellbeing, both professionally and personally.
Spiritual Care Lead, Tosh Lynch said: “We are delighted to expand our team and welcome Joe to NHS Golden Jubilee. His appointment will enable us to provide increased support to patients, visitors and staff.
“Being in hospital may present some difficult situations and the role of the chaplain is to be there for people of all faiths, and none, to listen to them and support them with experience, expertise and inclusiveness.
“It’s our job to ensure that everybody in any situation in hospital has access to appropriate religious or spiritual support.”
The chaplain, supported by trained volunteers, visits patients on wards and in quiet spaces away from clinical areas.
