Muriel Cromie: Belfast City Hospital & NI cancer Centre
In presenting this year’s report, I have permission to share with you part of a prayer and part of a thank you letter, both of which encouraged me recently.
Adelaide, a member of Kilfennan PW, prayed the following as part of her thoughtful intercessory prayer during the PW Annual Service: “Father God, we thank You for the work of the Hospital Deaconesses and ask Your blessing for them as they minister to patients, their families and friends and those who care for them in a hospital environment. We bring Muriel, who is with us today, before You and ask You to strengthen and encourage her in this caring role in Belfast City Hospital. Grant her wisdom, sensitivity and compassion as she touches the lives of people in need. Father, we bring before You all those who are ill. We especially think of those who have had their world turned upside down by a life- threatening diagnosis. Help them, O Lord, and restore for them and their families a sense of control amidst this chaos. When fear and isolation and a sense of powerlessness threaten to overwhelm, Lord, may they feel Your presence near and know Your comfort and peace.”
Over the past nearly twenty-five years of Deaconess service, I am very grateful for the faithful prayers of PWA, now PW, members. Hearing someone pray for me in a Church service or a Group meeting, being aware of others’ prayers too, is indeed humbling, and really touches my heart. I am reminded continually how much I need God’s grace, love and enabling in this ministry. How essential your prayer partnership surely is. My sincere thanks.
The Church of Ireland Chaplain’s fourteen year old daughter was allowed to accompany her Dad in the hospital for one day as part of a school project. Chloe joined me in the afternoon as I was leading the worship services in the Cancer Centre Quiet Room and Elderly Care Unit. This is just part of her lovely thank you letter: “I really enjoyed the day and I have learnt the Chaplain’s work is about showing and telling the Christian faith. Caring for people … just like Jesus did … to listen to people who are very sick and need a healing touch. Thank you, Muriel, for letting me take part in a Service. I was nervous, but I did OK, didn’t I?”
Adelaide’s and Chloe’s refreshing insights show an understanding and appreciation of what the main focus of Healthcare Chaplaincy really is “ … caring for people … just like Jesus did.”
The radical changes and major restructuring in the health services continue to impact on hospital staff. Many are uncertain about the future and feel pressurised day by day. We continue to build good relationships with staff and are often called on to lend a listening ear and to offer prayerful support. During the year I accepted an invitation from NI Healthcare Chaplains Association to serve on their Executive Council.
I record my thanks also to members of the Board of Mission in Ireland, South Belfast Presbytery, and the Chaplaincy team, especially my colleague, Rev. Brian Hughes, Presbyterian Chaplain, for their faithful interest and support.