The Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Dr Joe Kennedy, visited Royal Preston Hospital on Monday, reflecting on the vital role of chaplaincy teams and sharing how his own recent experience as a patient deepened his appreciation for those who offer spiritual care on the wards.
Bishop Joe, who recently marked his first year in post, has spent much of his ministry travelling across Lancashire, visiting churches, schools and chaplaincies to see “what God is doing in that place,” something he describes as one of the greatest joys of his role.
In his role, he has oversight of the Diocese of Blackburn's healthcare chaplains, and has spoken often about the privilege of supporting clergy, chaplains and parish communities as part of a ministry centred on mission, relationship-building, and service.
During his visit to Royal Preston Hospital, Bishop Joe said he was struck by the depth of commitment shown by the chaplaincy team, who he met in the chapel and Muslim prayer room, while he also went out within the hospital to the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.
He said: “When I get in the car and travel to places like this - to meet people, to chat, to see the work being done - it’s incredibly inspiring. It’s peaceful, too.”
Bishop Joe described the profound comfort he felt when a chaplain visited him at his bedside during a recent stay in another hospital as a patient: “I was so grateful to the doctors and nurses who cared for me. But one of the most moving moments was when a chaplain came to spend a little time with me. What they gave me was themselves, their time, their attention. They weren’t there to do anything for me, but simply to be with me. That transformed my day.”
He reflected on how easily illne
ss brings deep questions to the surface: “Illness can be a stressful time. You find yourself facing big questions - Why is this happening? Will I be okay? What about my family? Having someone who will talk about those questions, pray with you if you want it, or simply listen, is so important. Whether people are religious, lapsed, unsure, or not religious at all, we all have those deep questions. Hospitals often bring them to the surface.”
Bishop Joe praised the chaplaincy team for offering companionship and humanity in what can often be long, lonely days for patients: “Hospital days can be long - early mornings, waiting, long stretches with little happening. Having someone come simply to talk can be an enormous gift. I can see that the chaplaincy's work here makes a difference, just by bringing their presence, their humanity. My own experience as a patient taught me how transformative those moments can be.”
At a time when our attention spans can be occupied by gadgets and social media, he added: “In a world where we’re all so busy, glued to phones or computers, chaplains give the precious gift of attention - being physically present with someone. That can truly transform a person’s day.”
The Bishop was also keen to highlight the importance of chaplaincy for NHS staff: “Healthcare is hugely demanding, especially now. Having someone who wants to talk to you - not about the job, but about how you are - is invaluable.”
This pastoral support reflects a wider theme in Bishop Joe’s ministry. Since taking office, he has emphasised that a bishop’s role is not to “run the show” but to support clergy and ministers across Lancashire, helping parishes, schools and chaplaincies “be the best versions of themselves.”.
Though he enjoys his travels across Lancashire, Bishop Joe does acknowledges he still misses the rhythm of parish life: “I miss being rooted in one community, knowing people well, walking alongside them. But this role takes me all over the county, and it’s a blessing to meet so many different groups of people and see God at work in so many places. And Lancashire is a beautiful county. We’ve been welcomed so warmly since moving here, the people have been incredibly friendly. We feel very blessed to be here.”
Reverend Fr. Martin McDonald, Lead Chaplain at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals said: "It was truly heartening to see the Bishop immerse himself so fully in our daily reality, taking the time to sit with our staff and listen to the stories that define life within our hospital.
"His genuine interest in the environments where we provide care was deeply affirming, leaving both the chaplaincy team and the wider hospital community feeling seen, valued, and spiritually renewed."
