New Chaplain at York Teaching Hospital
The Most Reverend & Right Honourable Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of
York visited York Hospital on Thursday 15 December 2016, to lead a service at
the Chapel and licence The Reverend Rachel Bailes as Lead Chaplain for York
Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
The Reverend Rachel Bailes was formerly chaplain at Mid Yorkshire
Hospitals NHS Trust, starting her chaplaincy career at Dewsbury Hospital before
moving to the new Pinderfields Hospital at Wakefield, where she has been for
the last six years.
The Archbishop said:
“I am delighted to be licensing Rachel to this significant post at York Hospital. At Christmas we celebrate Emmanuel - God with Us - in the person of Jesus Christ. I pray that all at York Hospital, staff, patients and visitors, will know God is with them in all that they face. My prayer for Rachel is that she will make that presence of Jesus Christ visible to all those she meets.”
The Reverend Rachel Bailes said:
“I feel passionate about spiritual care and the need to treat all people with dignity and respect and as unique individuals.
“Being in hospital can be a stressful experience for both patients and their loved ones and good, caring support for both patients and staff can make a real difference.”
Prior to ordination Rachel had a full and varied career within the field of Special Education.
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 across the Trust.