A team which ‘often works quietly in the background’ but ‘makes such a difference’ to patients, their loved ones and staff has been selected for an award in the Trust’s recent Celebrating Success Awards.
The Trust’s Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team has been recognised after being chosen as winner of the Non-Clinical Team of the Year.
This category honours a non-clinical department which demonstrates true team spirit and a commitment to positivity and excellence. The team beat competition from a shortlist of ten including the Trust’s Appointments team, Finance department and Adult Safeguarding team.
The Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care team includes eight members: Rev Ian Baxter, Rev Helen Houston, Rev Clive Lord, Imam Ashfaq Patel, Fr Andrew Dawson, Rev Paul Berry, Mr Patrick Hynes and Rev Jim Williams.
Rev Ian Baxter, Lead Chaplain at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said: “The Award is really quite humbling, as we work alongside so many wonderful staff to help meet the spiritual needs of patients and their families.
“Our focus is often listening to patients and staff, hearing their stories, celebrating their unique and amazing lives, you sometimes need moments like the Celebrating Success Event to take stock and realise how much people appreciate the work you are doing, and we have certainly had a lot of wonderful messages in the last few that have really encouraged us.
“As Lead Chaplain I want to thank the whole Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team, they have been compassionate and dedicated in their work over the last two years. We are so grateful to be part of a Trust that embraces that philosophy of going the extra mile in the care we give.”
Feroz Patel, Executive Director of Finance, presented the team with the award, and said: “During the pandemic their work was often, sadly, needed more than ever and they quickly responded to ensure their vital support continued, providing a listening ear and words of reassurance to so many.”
Members of the Chaplaincy Team receive their award from Medical Director Dr Jim Gardner