FULL-TIME CHAPLAIN FOR HOSPITALS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27373, 11 June 1954, Page 8

FULL-TIME CHAPLAIN FOR HOSPITALS

PRESBYTERY APPROVES SCHEME

The appointment of a full-time hospital chaplain was approved in principle by the Presbytery of Christchurch at its monthly meeting. The convenor of the home ministry committee (the Rev. A. A. Brash) said the chaplaincy would cover the Christchurch Hospital, Sunnyside Mental Hospital, and the new Cashmere Hospital.

The Presbyterian Social Service Association had proposed the chaplaincy, said Mr Brash, and was prepared to bear most of the cost if the home ministry committee would assist with about one-third.

The appointment, which will be made by the Presbytery, will replace the part-time chaplaincy at the Christchurch Hospital, a post now held by the Rev. R. Blair. The Rev. I. B. Wilson, of the Hanmer Springs parish, is at present also chaplain to Sunnyside Hospital. The problems created by the separation of this hospital from Hanmer Springs parish will be investigated by a special committee. The extension of a chaplain’s charge to other hospitals would defeat the purpose of the plan, said Mr Brash. The chaplain must have the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the hospitals and know their staffs.