Publish date: 18 September 2024
The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Philip North visited Blackpool Victoria Hospital recently to welcome a new member of the Trust's chaplaincy team and to dedicate the new chapel.
The Rt Rev North visited the chapel last week following its relocation to a new Spiritual Care Centre late last year. He also conducted the licensing of the Trust's new Church of England chaplain, Father Michael Fish.
The spiritual centre has undergone a major transformation including the careful relocation of stained glass windows from the previous facility elsewhere in Blackpool Victoria Hospital as part of the wider Emergency Village development which was completed in December last year.
Lead Chaplain, Rev Ian Baxter said "As part of the service of licensing the Bishop anointed Michael and encouraged him, “in your work and ministry, and with your colleagues, care alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor.”
"There were a number of visitors able to join us from Holy Cross Parish where Michael is Priest, the Hospital, and Chaplaincy Team.
The new Spiritual Care Centre has had several services to mark its opening, with visits from the Muslim community, the Catholic Bishop, and now the Church of England. It is hoped in future months to also have a visit from the Jewish and Hindu Communities.”
Hailing from Blackburn, Father Michael was ordained in 2004 and was in the Royal Signals Army Corp before moving to 143 Brigade in Shrewsbury's Copthorne barracks for three years.
He also spent time in Merseyside and Derbyshire with the Mercian Regiment before retiring from military duties.
