The Bishop of Burnley, Rt Revd Dr Joe Kennedy, has reflected on the vital role of hospital chaplaincy teams, while also sharing how his own recent experience as a patient deepened his appreciation for those who offer spiritual care on the wards.

Bishop Joe has oversight of the Diocese of Blackburn's healthcare chaplains across Lancashire as part of his role and was speaking during a recent visit to Royal Preston Hospital (part of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) where he was struck by the depth of commitment shown by the chaplaincy team.

The Bishop was welcomed to Royal Preston by Lead Chaplain, Revd Martin McDonald, who is also Bishop’s Adviser on Health and Social Care Chaplaincy. He also met other members of the chaplaincy team including Muslim Chaplain, Iman Naeem Toorawa.

Revd Martin said: “It was truly heartening to see the Bishop immerse himself so fully in our daily reality, taking the time to sit with our staff and listen to the stories that define life within our hospital.

“His genuine interest in the environments where we provide care was deeply affirming, leaving both the chaplaincy team and the wider hospital community feeling seen, valued and spiritually renewed.”

Bishop Joe commented: “When I get in the car and travel to places like this - to meet people, to chat, to see the work being done - it’s incredibly inspiring.”

The Bishop also described the profound comfort he felt when a chaplain visited him at his bedside during a recent stay in another hospital as a patient.

“I was so grateful to the doctors and nurses who cared for me. But one of the most moving moments was when a chaplain came to spend a little time with me. What they gave me was themselves, their time, their attention. They weren’t there to do anything for me, but simply to be with me. That transformed my day.”

Bishop Joe also praised the chaplaincy team at Royal Preston Hospital for offering companionship and humanity in what can often be long, lonely days for patients: “Hospital days can be long. Early mornings, waiting, long stretches with little happening. Having someone come simply to talk can be an enormous gift.

“I can see that the chaplaincy's work here makes a difference, just by bringing their presence, their humanity. My own experience as a patient taught me how transformative those moments can be.”

Bishop Joe was also keen to highlight the importance of chaplaincy for NHS staff, as well their patients: “Healthcare is hugely demanding, especially now. Having someone who wants to talk to you - not about the job, but about how you are - is invaluable.”

Revd Martin agreed, adding: “Chaplaincy is about 'being there', offering a bridge between the sacred and the secular through simple acts of listening and support. We work at the intersection of daily life and faith, providing a non-judgmental space for anyone who needs it.

“Having the Bishop highlight this work is so important because it brings visibility to the quiet, transformative impact that chaplaincy has on our local institutions and the individuals within them.”