14.01.2020
New Chaplain Appointed to Tallaght and St James’s Hospitals
A new Healthcare Chaplain has been appointed to Tallaght and St James’s hospitals. Patrick Ryan has been appointed by Archbishop Michael Jackson and will take up the position on February 1 2020.
Originally from Donegal, Patrick studied theology in both Dublin and Berkeley, California. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as chaplain in Scotland with the Marie Curie Hospice Foundation as well as with St John of God and St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.
The appointment has been welcomed by the chairperson of Dublin & Glendalough’s Healthcare Chaplaincy Oversight Committee, Canon Robert Warren. “We look forward to welcoming Patrick as a member of the team and I thank everyone who helped in providing cover during the vacancy,” he said.
Following much work in the area of healthcare chaplaincy in the dioceses in recent years, the major Dublin hospitals are structured through a number of hospital groupings. Chaplains serving in these hubs are part of the hospitals’ multi–disciplinary teams and have undertaken Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training and professional accreditation by the Chaplaincy Accreditation Board. They provide a 24 hour service (with the help of local clergy who are rostered for out of hours service). They have a line manager within the hospital and also answer to the oversight committee.
During their day to day jobs chaplains meet and address the religious, spiritual and emotional needs of patients, their families and members of hospital staff. Chaplains work from the ‘religious census list’ based on information provided by patients on admission. It is important that patients specify their Church of Ireland tradition rather than just indicating ‘Protestant’ or ‘Christian’. Patients can also request a visit from a chaplain through the nursing staff.
Chaplains are integral parts of the healthcare team and help both to support and celebrate the diversity of experiences with a patient and their loved ones. They can be contacted through the Chaplaincy Departments of the relevant hospitals:
Tallaght and St James’ Hospitals – Patrick Ryan
St Vincent’s University Hospital & St Vincent’s Private Hospital – Hilda Plant
Mater Hospital – the Revd Terry Lilburn
Beaumont, Cappagh & Connolly Hospitals – Olwen Lynch
Information in relation to other hospitals in the dioceses can be obtained from the Diocesan Directory.