Opportunities to learn, grow and serve in your local hospital

‘Hospital Chaplains are there for everyone - you don’t have to be in any way ‘religious’ to ask to speak with one. Most of us, at one time or another, have to face searching questions and make difficult decisions, and at times like these it’s good to know that there is someone there to listen, to support, to encourage or to question in complete confidentiality. We want to be there for you, so please don’t hesitate to call us if you think we can be of help.’

So reads the closing paragraph of the new Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care patient information leaflet produced by the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust, and it sums up beautifully the kind of service we offer to patients, their relatives and friends and to our staff.

The Hospitals we serve are:
William Harvey, Ashford
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Margate Kent and Canterbury, Canterbury Buckland, Dover and the smaller community hospitals in Sheppey, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Deal.

We are seeking people of faith who have the support of their church leaders to serve either asVolunteer Chapel Helpers
Which involves two hours of training (arranged at your convenience) to equip you to escort patient to and from Chapel services.
or
Volunteer Lay or Ordained Chaplains
Which involves attending informal interviews, a 10 week training course (starting on Tuesday 30th September from 13.45 to 15.15 in the Kent and Canterbury Hospital Chapel and running through consecutive weeks until 2nd December), and completing a probationary period before formal commissioning and authorisation. A minimum of 3hrs per week visiting a designated ward or department is required for the first year, followed by annual informal appraisal.

Both positions require CRB and other security checks to be carried out.

If you would like more information or just an informal chat please contact:
Rev. Dr. Paul Kirby - Head of Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care Services

on 07811 134383 or 01233 633331 Ex.88014.