Lead Chaplain, Sue Naughton has penned a few words of farewell before she leaves us for pastures new.
"I will be leaving my position of Lead Chaplain for CHFT on Wednesday, 11th June after almost eight years. I have been working in the NHS for almost 50 years - I started out as a pre-nursing cadet in 1975.
"I’m not ready to retire yet, and I am delighted to have been offered a new position as a Primary Care Chaplain for Whitby and North York Moors Primary Care Network, so will be based in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby. The position is a new initiative with NHS England and a pilot for GP practices, so it will be exciting to see how NHS health care chaplaincy develops in primary care, and I am looking forward to leading this project.
"Alongside my new role, I am developing my practice as an artist and iconographer and will be leading a series of retreats with the opportunity for quiet reflection and to paint an icon using traditional techniques and materials.
"Whilst I am working, I will be living at St Hilda’s Priory in Whitby where I also have an artist's residence with the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete – recently featured on the Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over programme.
"My time at CHFT has not been without its challenges. Of course we had the strangest times during the pandemic. I've also been part of bringing the service governance up to date, aligning the chaplains with the other allied health professionals and rebranding the chaplaincy to enable a modern chaplaincy fit for the future.
"My current project of providing faith resources for all ward areas and departments, is still a work in progress. But I hope this will become an invaluable resource for patients, families and colleagues.
"Above all, I have been blessed by the many people, patients, families and colleagues I’ve had the privilege of meeting, working and caring for. I've loved putting people first, being beside them in their darkest hours and offering compassionate care in the hopes that it will bring comfort, peace and hope - the heart of chaplaincy ministry.
"There have been many other highlights, a visit to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah was a wonderful opportunity to ‘go see’ and meet the Spiritual Care Team there. The visit provided the inspiration for the labyrinth in the wellbeing garden at HRI. Other highlights included the NHS 70 Anniversary celebrations and not least the birth and safe delivery of both my grandsons on our wonderful maternity unit.
"A heartfelt thank you to all those who have shared my journey and please do keep in touch! I will continue to support CHFT as a Bank Chaplain. With my continued prayers and blessings for the CHFT community."
Good luck Sue, we wish you all the best in your new role.
