New palliative care and oncology chaplain appointed

Reverend Andy Barton has been appointed as Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust's new Palliative Care and Oncology Chaplain from October 2016.

Having worked as an Honorary Chaplain with the Pastoral and Spiritual Care team for the past 18 months, Andy will now specialise in this area of work as part of the multi-disciplinary team, working with cancer patients and others, seeking to bring support at the most difficult times in their lives.

Andy said: “As a chaplain, I am here to help patients and their families make sense of and come to terms with whatever they are facing. In this new role, I am keen to build relationships with all in the hospital who care for patients in the areas of palliative care and oncology, and together we can support them in their journey.”

Paul Snell, Lead Chaplain at Derriford Hospital, said: “We are delighted to appoint Andy as our Palliative Care and Oncology Chaplain. His quiet, thoughtful and pastoral character has been evident in many ways and he has already contributed much to the team with his deep yet down to earth spirituality.

“This post has existed in a small way for the past six years, and we have seen the great value in offering specialist support in the areas of palliative care as well as that of patients dealing with cancer. Expanding this post means that much more effective care in this area will be possible with Andy becoming a part of our own team as well as the multi-disciplinary team.”

Reverend Andy Barton will be licensed by The Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of Crediton during a service that will take place in the chapel on level 7 on Monday 14 November at 1pm. All are welcome to attend the service, which will be followed by refreshments.

If you would like to attend, please contact Jan Collis on j.collis@nhs.net