Bishop of East Anglia visits Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn

As part of his Parish Visitation to King’s Lynn Parish last week, Bishop Collins of East Anglia Peter visited the town’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

The QEH is one of seven RAAC concrete hospitals facing serious structural safety concerns. It is believed to be the most “propped” hospital in the country, with thousands of supports in place to prevent structural collapse. Opened in 1980, the 500+ bed facility is long overdue for replacement, with the latest projections estimating a new hospital will be completed by 2032.

During his visit, Bishop Peter toured the newly opened “Peddar’s Way” unit, which provides five specially designed hospice-style beds for end-of-life care. This facility allows patients to receive care in a more private and peaceful setting, away from the busy hospital environment, enabling families to spend valuable time together. Bishop Peter took a keen interest in how staff are supported in this emotionally and mentally demanding work.

He also met with Chief Executive Alice Webster and spoke with the Chaplaincy team about their vital work in the hospital.

Bishop Peter was accompanied on his visit by Fr Gordon Adam (King’s Lynn Assistant Parish Priest and Catholic Chaplain to the QEH), Rev Lee Gilbert (Head of Spiritual Care at the QEH), and Andrew Wordsworth, a Catholic lay volunteer with the Chaplaincy.

Pic: Bishop Peter, Fr Gordon Adam, Rev Lee Gilbert, Andrew Wordsworth and Chief Executive Alice Webster (left to right)

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