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Contents Soundings:12

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SACH  Soundings
 No 12 December 2002

Page 8

Night Shift at the Balfour Hospital

Over the months, it had become apparent to NHS Orkney chaplains Mike Ward and Christine Laird that there are a few gaps in their provision of spiritual care. During the day, like most chaplains, they would bump into staff from most departments, but were aware that there are quite a number of ‘behind the scenes’ workers, for example kitchen and laundry staff with whom they had little or no contact. It has, therefore, been encouraging for the chaplains to meet some of these workers since the “Beechgrove” chaplaincy garden opened, as staff have taken up their invitation to use the garden on sunny days (remember those?) for coffee breaks or lunch.
But until recently, the chaplains never set eyes on the night staff. Mike and Christine decided to come into the hospital and go round the wards after 10.30 pm, initially one night a month and make themselves known. Christine takes up the story: “We had not appreciated that the night staff were quite so isolated, mostly remaining in their own ward for the whole of their shift. It has been an eye opener to chat and listen to some of their concerns. Anti social sleep patterns can certainly take their toll (I’ve been there!). Whatever is said to us is treated in the strictest confidence. We do not have all the answers. It is important that the voice of the night staff is heard; we are here to help that happen.”

Mike Ward
Chaplain at the Balfour Hospital

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