King's Lynn hospital lead chaplain receives official licensing by Bishop of Lynn

Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s lead chaplain, the Revd Stella Green, has received her official licensing by the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick.

More than 20 people attended the service in The Sacred Space on Thursday, including hospital volunteers, colleagues and staff from her previous employment at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

She said: “I’d like to explore the chance to develop a really up-to-date chaplaincy service for the people of King’s Lynn, West Norfolk and all the other areas which the hospital serves.

“Having started in church-based ministry, I decided to move into chaplaincy because I wanted to spend less time on administration and more time with people.

“It’s important for me to be able to be alongside people when they are going through difficult times, accompanying them on their journey and giving them a safe space to deal with an emotional issue or make a difficult decision.”

Revd Green is keen to emphasise that the chaplaincy service is available to all, including those for whom faith has either very little or no part in their lives.

During the service, Revd Green was presented with gifts to symbolise her role.

Fellow chaplaincy team members the Revd Lee Gilbert and Sandro Dallas gave her a Bible and some oil for anointing the dying.

Bereavement midwife Sharon Younge gave her a christening bowl for baptising poorly babies, and volunteer Sheila Shimmin presented her with a heart-shaped cushion to symbolise the love of God for each individual.