The Paediatric Chaplaincy Network meets once a year to review the development of the Network and particularly for the next year’s annual gathering
We are open to new members of the group and the current members are:
Revd Dr Paul Nash
Chaplaincy Manager
Birmingham Women’s
and Children’s Hospital
I am the Chaplaincy Manager and Spiritual Care Lead for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHSFT. I have always been committed to supportive Communities of Practice, and as we did not seem to have one within the World of paediatric Chaplaincy in GB&I, I initiated a conversation. Jim Linthicum and I started the PCN for GB&I in 2008 with some of our wonderful peers. I am passionate about the establishment of the vocation and profession of paediatric chaplaincy; especially appropriate spiritual care and assessment for poorly children and young people, common held standards and values and a robust theology, academic qualifications and evidenced based research for our field.
I would encourage anyone involved or interested in paediatric chaplaincy to join the PCN as it is a place where you don’t need to explain how you find this type of work life giving and enjoyable, we get it, we are your tribe, welcome home!!
Revd Sue Pitkin
Link Chaplain for Child Health
at Southampton General Hospital
I work at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. I am Link Chaplain for Child Health at Southampton General Hospital and for Women and Newborn at the Princess Anne Hospital. I have a particular interest in giving the best possible care and support to bereaved parents. I’ve found the PCN an invaluable source of support, expertise and resources as well as a forum for debate and learning.
I’d recommend all chaplains who work with children and babies to be involved with PCN for the sense of companionship and care for those of us who walk with parents and families on what can be a very tough and painful journey.
Revd Claire Carson
Head of Chaplaincy-Spiritual Care – Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
My passion for paediatric chaplaincy started when I first worked at the Royal Free Hospital in 2007 when I worked closely with a young boy who was dying and his family. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team was key. I loved working creatively and engaging with staff in order to offer the best possible spiritual care. From this, a highlight for me was celebrating Christmas in July for this family who happened to be Hindu. From this experience my interest in paediatrics, end of life care, supporting patients and their families grew. I continued my work with paediatrics at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, where I worked closely with the team in Paediatric Intensive Care, as well as in the hospital school and wards. I’ve been back working at the Royal Free London since 2018 and have continued to be on the steering group for the PCN. The PCN is made up of a lovely group of chaplains who are creative, enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. It’s a great support to talk with others about their work in paediatrics.
Deacon Deborah Wilde
Chaplaincy Team Leader at Furness General Hospital – part of the University of Morecambe Bay Trust
For 12 years I specialised in Paediatric chaplaincy at Oxford University Hospitals Trust. I have a passion for understanding more about children’s spirituality, the impact of long term illness during childhood and bereavement during childhood.
Why I think others might want to be involved in the PCN
The PCN enables those working in paediatric chaplaincy to share their experiences, offer support to each other, research mutual interest areas together and see the breadth of current national and international work of paediatric chaplains.
Revd Sue Taylor
Lead Chaplain in Evelina London Children’s Hospital
I am part of a team that provides spiritual support to the children and families in the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, which includes the neonatal unit.
Our chaplains and volunteers regularly visit families in the hospital.
