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NHS chaplaincy wins support from MPs

 

The Church of England has welcomed MPs’ support for Chaplaincy in the NHS. The Chief Executive of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council the Revd Edward Lewis said the new All Party Parliamentary Group which was formed at the end of last year marked a real interest by politicians in the need for strong chaplaincy representation across the NHS.

The Group plans to launch an inquiry into the state of chaplaincy across the NHS later this year.

Mr Lewis said the formation of the group had been spearheaded by the current chairman Mike Penning MP (Hemel Hempstead). “For a long time he has been a tireless advocate for chaplaincy and spiritual care within the NHS.” Other members of the group are: the Bishop of St Albans the Rt Revd Christopher Herbert (Secretary), David Burrowes MP Enfield, Southgate (Vice Chairman) and Alan Simpson MP Nottingham South (Treasurer).

Edward Lewis added that this new support for chaplaincy came at a time when the Royal College of Nursing had also shown public support for chaplains. At their recent conference 93% voted in favour of a motion which asked nurses to support the need for chaplaincy provision within the NHS.

 www.nhs-chaplaincy-spiritualcare.org.uk