CHAPLAIN AT HOSPITAL

Press, Volume C, Issue 29588, 10 August 1961, Page 18

CHAPLAIN AT HOSPITAL

Presbytery Hears Report Probably the greatest frustration in hospital chaplaincy today was the difficulty of making regular visits to those being administered, said the Presbyterian hospital chaplain in Christchurch (the Rev. C. A. Mitehell) in a report presented to the monthly meeiting of the Christchurch Presbytery. Such workers could well become nothing more than just another hospital visitor, instead of a trained ’specialist, with a particular and regular task to perform, he said. The basic approach of the hospital chaplain must be to interpret the problem of human suffering, Mr Mitchell said. It was essential to distinguish between this task and those of the professional psychologist or psychiatrist on the hospital medical staff. In spite of present difficulties, however, the clergy were greatly appreciative of the hospital authorities' recognition of the churches’ service in this work in Christchurch. The Rev. S. C. Francis praised the “magnificent cooperation” given to hospital clergy by the British Medical Association and the North Canterbury Hospital Board. Courtesies being extended by these bodies to the clergy were enabling work to be carried out in excellent spirit, so that hospital chaplaincy was now proving to be a most effective service in the community, he said. Failing to Stop.—Concern at the number of motorists failing to stop at stop signs was expressed to the Paparua County Council by Cr. R. S. Mayer at its recent meeting. The council will ask the Transport Department to pay particular attention to this offence.