Archbishop Cushley has praised the “care, dedication and professionalism” of staff following a visit to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
He said: “Hospital chaplaincy plays a vital role in supporting patients, families, and staff, offering comfort, guidance, and hope at times of uncertainty.
Above: Gillian McAuley, Executive Director of Nursing, Archbishop Cushley, Nicola Robertson, Director of Nursing and Claire Dobson, Director of Acute Services.
“I am particularly grateful for the work of those in palliative care, whose compassion and expertise help patients and their loved ones navigate some of the most challenging moments of life at the Victoria Hospice or at home,
“My visit has been an opportunity to witness first-hand the care, dedication and professionalism of NHS Fife teams, and to recognise the important spiritual dimension of healing alongside medical treatment.”
The Archbishop was invited by NHS Fife to meet staff and patients on Friday, where he spent time in a number of clinical areas, including Accident and Emergency and the Renal Unit, as well as Maggie’s Centre and the Victoria Hospice. There, he met staff and learned more about the care provided to patients and families.
Above, Canon Brian Gowans, Archbishop Cushley, Mgr Philip Kerr and Ian Campbell, Head of Spiritual Care in NHS Fife (and parishioner at St Serf’s in Kirkcaldy).
The Archbishop’s visit also recognised the important contribution of local clergy who assist chaplaincy teams in this work: he was joined by Canon Brian Gowans, the Catholic chaplain for the hospital and parish priest of St Serf’s, Kirkcaldy, and Monsignor Philip Kerr, Dean of Fife and parish priest of St Mary Magdalene’s, Glenrothes.
Archbishop Cushley took time to speak directly with staff across the hospital, acknowledging the pressures they face and thanking them for the compassion and professionalism they show each day.
NHS Fife’s Spiritual Care team works closely with clinical services to ensure that patients of all faiths and none are supported throughout their care.
Ian Campbell, Head of Spiritual Care in NHS Fife, said: “The Archbishop’s visit was an opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution and hard work of our staff, while also acknowledging the important role played by local clergy who work closely with our NHS chaplaincy teams.
“It is important to recognise both the reality of living with illness and the dedication of staff who provide care and compassion every day in often very complex circumstances.”
Claire Dobson, Director of Acute Services at NHS Fife, said: “Archbishop Cushley’s visit was a meaningful recognition of the compassion and commitment shown by our teams every day, and of the importance of spiritual care in supporting patients, families and staff within our hospital communities.”
