A message from The Rt Revd James Newcome sent to hospital/healthcare chaplains in March 2011:

"In 2010 I was appointed ‘Lead Bishop for Healthcare’; a new post which covers anything related to the NHS, chaplaincy, medical ethics and the ministry of healing. Since then I have been trying to get to grips with some of the current issues which affect us all, including NHS reform and the future of hospital chaplains.

For the last two years I have been Bishop of Carlisle. Before that I was Bishop of Penrith (for seven years). Other jobs have included Director of Ministry in Chester Diocese; Tutor in Ethics and Integrating Theology in the Cambridge Federation; and Parish Priest in St Albans and Ely Dioceses.

I am married to a former Health Visitor, have four children (one of which is training to be a doctor – and once worked as an Ambulance Driver in Herefordshire).

I’m looking forward to my further involvement with you all and am most grateful to those who have already been in touch. Obviously I can’t be everywhere or do everything – but what I can do, I will, and please be assured of my absolute support(on behalf of the Church of England) for your invaluable ministry.

With all good wishes,
Yours ever,
+James Newcome"

Bishop of Carlisle appointed as Lead Bishop on Healthcare Issues

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have announced the appointment of the Bishop of Carlisle, The Rt Revd James Newcome, as lead bishop on healthcare issues.

This appointment reflects the importance which the Church of England gives to healthcare as a national priority and the significance of physical, mental and spiritual care for the good of all. Alongside his diocesan duties, Bishop James will work closely with the Mission and Public Affairs Division of the Archbishops’ Council (MPA), which represents the church’s views on healthcare to the government, NHS and other agencies and is also responsible for supporting the Church of England’s healthcare chaplains across the country.

Chairman's Page (2007 - 2010)

Bishop of Gloucester's visit to
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
24 October 2007

The Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council visited Royal Worcester Hospital on Wednesday 24th October. Bishop Michael was welcomed by the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Trust. He met some of the Chaplains employed at the Trust as well as a number of chaplaincy volunteers and others who support the work and witness of the chaplains.

The Bishop of Gloucester (Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council), Mr. John Rostill, (the Chief Executive of the Royal Worcester NHS Trust), the Revd. Judith Thompson, (Chaplain at the Worcester Hospital) and Father Edward Lewis (former Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council).

The Bishop of Gloucester (Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council) talks to Chaplaincy Volunteers in the Chapel at the Worcester Hospital. The Chaplain, the Revd. Judith Thompson looks on.

The Bishop of Gloucester (Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council) with the Revd. Max Shepherd, Lead chaplain at the Trust,the Chairs of the Leagues of Friends of the three hospitals and the Revd. Edward Lewis (former Chief Executive of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council).

Worcester News - Thursday 25 October 2007 - by Lucy Tatchell

The Bishop of Gloucester and chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council, the Right Rev Michael Perham visited Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Wednesday 24 October 2007 to address chaplaincy volunteers.

Prior to the meeting, the bishop had met with the chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, John Rostill, to discuss the future of the service. "My conversations before I came here suggested the service might be OK," said the bishop. "I felt it was a good conversation with the chief executive, and what I want to do now is stop Worcester being used as a by-word for cuts." Mr Rostill confirmed the talks had been a success, saying: "We have had a very useful discussion and I would say the future of the chaplaincy in Worcestershire is secured. We had to make certain savings, and I am pleased to say we have done that now."

The services were threatened in August 2006 when the trust planned to axe two Anglican, one Free Church and three Roman Catholic priests to make savings. Funding from the league of friends meant the service could continue in the short-term as they agreed to underwrite the costs of providing pastoral support for patients and staff for two years. The team of two full-time and four part-time chaplains is supported by chaplaincy volunteers, who together bring spiritual, religious and pastoral solace to sick and dying patients. Despite confirmation the services are safe, one chaplaincy volunteer expressed concern over having one full-time clergy on site. Cathy Jones, co-ordinator of chaplaincy volunteers, said: "There are some things volunteers cannot do, if a young motorcyclist is knocked off his bike at 2am and wishes to see someone the chaplain is called. They are on call 24-hours a day, and volunteers are not. It is a lot of work for one person to do."

Updated 15 December 2010