We provide a chaplaincy team to help support patients, relatives, carers and staff with their spiritual needs.
The chaplaincy team is available to help meet these spiritual needs no matter what a person’s faith or belief system may be.
Religious leaders of other faiths/belief systems can be contacted by the chaplaincy team on request.
Our team of chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers are based at The James Cook University Hospital and the Friarage Hospital. They visit the wards on both sites regularly and welcome requests for personal visits.
Chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers are available to listen, talk things over and reassure and, if it is requested, they can pray with individuals.
Chaplains are available to give blessings, take confession and administer the sacraments if that is requested.
Support for staff
Support is available on site for staff at James Cook and the Friarage and the chaplaincy team can be contacted at any time to listen, talk, advise or counsel. All such meetings are confidential.
The team also offer support to colleagues who work out in the community and can be contacted through the switchboard of either James Cook or the Friarage.
The chaplains are available through an on-call roster 24 hours a day, seven days a week (see numbers below).
The chaplaincy team
- Len Collings – joint lead
- Rodney Breckon – joint lead
- Lisa Opala
- Binoy Alexander
Contact details
The chaplains can be contacted on the following numbers, where non-urgent messages can be left on the voicemail:
- 01642 854802 (James Cook)
- 01609 763275 (The Friarage)
Or you can contact the team by email: [email protected]
If you require a chaplain in an emergency, please dial the hospital switchboard on the number below; ask for ‘operator’, and when connected, ask them to page the on-call chaplain:
- 01642 850850 (James Cook)
- 01609 779911 (The Friarage)
Please specify if you require the Roman Catholic chaplain.
Chapel at The James Cook University Hospital
The Chapel of the Good Samaritan, near the north entrance, is open and lit during the day and the night for you, your family and your friends to visit. It’s a special place of peace and quiet, of prayer, stillness and reassurance. It is hoped that people of all faiths and none, will find a tranquil and safe haven.
There is a prayer book on the altar which can be written in at any time and a candle stand should you wish to light a candle in memory of a loved one or as part of your prayers.
Other faiths
There is a Muslim Prayer Room (Masjid) and wash facility next door to the chapel. The entrance to this is through the door to the left of the chapel. The chapel is available for prayer or quiet reflection should you wish. There are quiet rooms and quiet gardens that are available. All facilities are available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Service details
- Mass (Roman Catholic) – 1pm Monday
- Holy Communion (C of E and Free Church) – 1pm Wednesday
- Bedside services – any Sunday (but can be done anytime)
Chapel at the Friarage Hospital
The Chapel of St Luke is near to the main entrance of the hospital and is open every day for people to go and sit in the peaceful space. People of all faiths and non are welcome to use the chapel. The team are available to talk, listen, pray
There is a prayer board where thoughts and reflections may be left.
Bedside Service of Holy Communion can be requested. One of the chaplains visits the hospital each Sunday to administer the Sacraments to anyone who wishes to receive it. Holy Communion can also be requested throughout the week.
The Chapel of St Luke is available for Friday prayers each week.
Listening, literature and training resource
The chaplaincy team is also a resource for the trust. They seek to foster spirituality and community within the trust. To be a resource for listening, literature (including bereavement and cultural booklets), training and staff support. Please contact the team via the relevant switchboard if you need any help or advice.