The Archbishop of York is to visit York Hospital on Thursday 5 March. Dr Sentamu will visit surgical and medical wards to speak with staff and patients, and will spend time with the Chaplaincy Team and volunteers at the hospital.

The Archbishop will also lead a service at the Chapel, and licence the Revd Martin Doe as Senior Chaplain for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Speaking ahead of his visit the Archbishop said: “Our NHS staff do an amazing job delivering safe, effective and sustainable healthcare within our communities. I want to thank them for all that they do along with the volunteers and I am looking forward to joining them on the wards. I am also delighted to be licensing The Reverend Martin Doe as the Senior Chaplain. Those in hospital, and their families, need the very best care in body, mind and spirit and our chaplains play a crucial role in providing that support”.

The Revd Martin Doe was recently appointed to the post of Senior Chaplain to the whole Trust, following 15 years as Senior Chaplain at Scarborough Hospital.

The Revd Martin Doe said: “We are looking forward to the visit from the Archbishop and for the opportunity for him to meet with patients and staff. The Chaplaincy team welcome the Archbishop’s support for their work and I am pleased he is willing to commission me for my new work across the Trust.”

The ecumenical team of chaplains and volunteers are available to give spiritual care and support to patients, relatives and staff.

Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy services are offered at hospitals in York, Scarborough, Bridlington, Malton, Whitby, Easingwold and Selby, together with other community units across the Trust.