New chaplain takes over the reins at hospital

A NEW lead chaplain for Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, has been inducted at a service held in the hospital’s chapel.
He is the Rev Jeff Gosden, who was previously a chaplain at Northampton General Hospital, and Stoke Mandeville, in Aylesbury.
The induction service was led by the Rev Jez Brown, the senior regional minister for the South West Baptist Association, and attended by Taunton Christians Together chairman Adrian Prior-Sankey, Free Churches Secretary for Health Care Chaplaincy the Rev Debbie Hodge, Musgrove consultant Dr Paul Kist, and Andy Burges, who is associate general manager for the clinical support division, and other members of the hospital team.
Mr Gosden said: “I am looking forward to working with the very committed and enthusiastic team here at Musgrove.
“We have over 40 volunteers and our work extends into the community hospitals across the county.
“I have a hard act to follow but I hope to support the continued development of the excellent chaplaincy service that Musgrove is known for.”
Mr Burgess said: “The chaplaincy service at Musgrove Park is extremely important in helping to ensure that we care for the whole person, not just an illness.
“Our team of chaplains, paid and volunteers, do a fantastic job in providing spiritual care and support to staff, patients, relatives, and visitors.
“Jeff is very experienced and knowledgeable and will help us develop the service even further.”
Musgrove patients, staff, and visitors can contact the chaplaincy team at any time by visiting the chapel on the first floor of the Duchess Building, or by calling 01823 342515.

• The Musgrove Park Christmas Carol Service takes place at 3 pm on Sunday, December 14, in the physiotherapy gym on the ground floor of the Queens Building.
  
• Our photograph shows Mr Gosden in front of the tapestry of the tree of life which hangs in the chapel at Musgrove Park. Photo submitted.