NHS Fife was pleased to welcome Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, to meet staff and patients during a visit to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Archbishop to spend time in a number of clinical areas across the hospital, including the Accident and Emergency and the Renal Unit, where he met staff and learned more about the care provided to patients and families.
During his visit, the Archbishop also spent time at the Victoria Hospice and Maggie’s Centre, gaining insight into the vital support and compassionate care offered to people across Fife during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
NHS Fife’s Spiritual Care team works closely with clinical services in both acute and community services to ensure patients of all faiths, beliefs and none are supported through their care and treatment journey. The visit highlighted the importance of spiritual and pastoral care as part of a holistic approach to healthcare, supporting both patients and their loved ones, as well as the healthcare staff working in demanding and emotionally complex environments.
Ian Campbell, Head of Spiritual Care in NHS Fife, said: “We were delighted that the Archbishop was able to come and visit Victoria Hospital and meet staff and patients across a number of clinical areas. His visit was an opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution and hard work of our staff, while also acknowledging the important role
played by local clergy who work closely with our NHS chaplaincy teams. It is important to recognise both the reality of living with illness and the dedication of staff who provide care and compassion every day in often very complex circumstances.”
The Archbishop’s visit was welcomed by clinical teams across the hospital, providing an opportunity for staff to share their experiences and for the contribution of NHS Fife services to be formally recognised.
Archbishop Cushley added: “Hospital chaplaincy plays a vital role in supporting patients, families, and staff, offering comfort, guidance, and hope at times of uncertainty. I am particularly grateful for the work of those in palliative care, whose compassion and expertise help patients and their loved ones navigate some of the most challenging moments of life. My visit has been an opportunity to witness first-hand the care, dedication and professionalism of NHS Fife teams, and to recognise the important spiritual dimension of healing alongside medical treatment.”
As well as meeting clinical teams, the Archbishop took time to speak directly with staff, acknowledging the pressures they face and thanking them for the compassion and professionalism they show to patients and families every day.
Claire Dobson, Director of Acute Services at NHS Fife, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Archbishop Cushley to Victoria Hospital and to give him the opportunity to meet staff working across a range of services. His visit was a meaningful recognition of the compassion and commitment shown by our teams every day, and of the importance of spiritual care in supporting patients, families and staff within our hospital communities.”
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