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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 15 May 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
by Malcolm Bradbrook
VOLUNTEERS are sought to help hospital chaplaincies with an increased demand to support patients and their relatives. Support from the chaplaincies is more in demand than ever and ranges from simple conversations to participating in prayer groups and bereavement memorial services.
Shutterstock Support from the chaplaincies is more in demand than ever and ranges from simple conversations to participating in prayer groups and bereavement memorial services. Wexham Park Hospital in Slough has become increasingly reliant on volunteers since 2012 as demand for its services has risen by 40 per cent.
The Revd Jennifer Sistig said that on top of the traditional religious counsel that is carried out, spiritual and pastoral care is more frequently requested. "Just the simple of act of conversation is something that is very important to some people in hospital," she added.
The hospital now has 38 Anglican volunteers, 26 Roman Catholic volunteers and an imam who runs Friday prayers.
Jennifer says there are regularly 100 requests from patients for support on the chaplaincy board at any one time. Volunteers are now supported with a thorough structure at the hospital, which includes a training course of seven sessions, an interview with the lead chaplain, and ongoing support and supervision. To help with recognition the hospital has introduced a uniform and the lilac polo shirt is a recognisable feature on wards across Wexham Park.
The chaplaincy team does Sunday morning visiting, as well as ad hoc support through conversation and prayer.
They also run other support such as memorial services for the bereaved and carol singing at Christmas. Similarly, Oxford University Hospitals Trust (OUH) has trained volunteers working in its chaplaincy.
The trust is made up of Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital, and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. Lead Chaplain, Margaret Whipp, said: "Some people have a real sense of calling, and tremendous gifts of warmth and compassion to come alongside people when they are ill, just simply to take an interest in them as human beings. "We have a wide range of very skilled volunteers who help us; predominantly by visiting on a ward each week," says Margaret.
"Last year we recruited about a dozen volunteers who have made a fantastic impact across the hospitals in giving extra support.
They are particularly appreciated in wards where people may be a long way from home or undergoing traumatic treatment and the patients very much benefit from someone who can support, listen, and perhaps pray. "The trust has around 20 chaplaincy volunteers and is looking for more.
"This is a deeply rewarding role for someone with real commitment who is seeking to develop their pastoral skills.
Our next training programme begins in January.
We welcome applications by the end of October," added Margaret. OUH volunteer Martin started working with the chaplaincy in January.
"The notion occurred to me just over a year ago when I was an out-patient at the eye department.
I was sitting there, as sometimes you do, and I saw some notices that attracted my attention about volunteering.
I go to one ward - a male medical ward - once a week.
I listen to patients and talk to them as the staff and patients themselves wish. "It's not just big city hospitals that require support.
In the case of the Oxford Health NHS Trust, the greatest need is in the community hospitals in Abingdon, Witney, Bicester, Wallingford, Oxford City and Didcot.