A message from the Rev’d Diana Netherway, Parish Deacon

Posted by Admin on 28 June 2013, 7:16 pm

Dear friends
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Just before I began training for ordination 18 years ago, I began working as a chaplaincy volunteer at St Mary’s hospital. It has been an enjoyable and very rewarding experience. In 2009 I was licensed as an Honorary Chaplain by Archdeacon Caroline Baston, during the Sunday service in the hospital chapel.
My role involves working with the Senior Chaplain, Rev`d Kelvin Burke and the chaplaincy team, giving pastoral and spiritual care to patients and staff in our designated wards and departments. We have the joy and privilege of getting alongside folk and listening to their anxieties and concerns, sharing their joys and sorrows, holding a hand or giving a hug, giving words of hope and encouragement and offering prayer. From my own experience, I often get as much from the patients as I have been able to give. On Sunday morning the patients are also given the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy ward and swap it for the peace and tranquility of the Chapel Holy Communion Service.
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A day in the life of a patient is often very long and lonely. It sometimes follows a disturbed night and the necessary 6am wake up call. Therefore a friendly visit is usually very welcome and much appreciated. So if you are going into hospital for treatment and would like a visit from someone at church or chaplaincy , please let us know. We are there for everyone. Those of all faiths and those with none.
At times the NHS has questioned the need for Chaplaincy. But despite being under threat of closure, our Chaplaincy flag still flies, because the Isle of Wight NHS Trust have recognised how important and beneficial it is to the patients and staff. Last year along with the other volunteers, the Chaplaincy A+E volunteers project won the Chairman’s Diamond Award at the annual IOW NHS TRUST AWARDS.
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Much of today’s society is focused on self-centred goals which is ok in the right context. But in chaplaincy volunteering we become outward looking. We are not just serving patients, but first and foremost we are serving our Lord. So if you are a Christian or member of any other faith group and feel that you would like to join the team of volunteers, please feel free to ring the volunteer services on 01983 536246 or chaplaincy office on 01983 534639 or email chaplains@iow.nhs.uk
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Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call for the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. James 5 v 13 – 15.
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Many blessings
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Diana