Conquest Chaplain licensed by Archdeacon of Chichester

The Chaplain at Conquest Hospital, Graham Atfield, has been licensed by the Archdeacon of Chichester, The Venerable Douglas McKittrick.

The service took place at the Church of St John the Evangelist in Hollington, as the parish church of Conquest Hospital, and means that Graham has been formally accredited to undertake the role of chaplain by the Bishop of Chichester.

Graham started work at Conquest Hospital last September after a career in the legal profession. He was ordained Deacon in 2011 and Priest in 2012, doing his training at St Mary’s Church in Rye, where he is still an Assistant Minister. Graham lives in Hastings with his wife and is also Chaplain to the local Police and Ambulance Service.

He said: “It is an absolute privilege for me to have the opportunity to serve patients, relatives and staff at Conquest Hospital with the help of our committed and caring team of Assistant Chaplains and volunteer visitors and the support of local clergy”.

Graham will be supported in his role by two part-time assistant chaplains, an administrator and 35 volunteers who seek to meet the pastoral needs of patients and visitors to Conquest Hospital around the clock.

Joy Jones, Chaplaincy & Bereavement Manager for the Trust, said: “I am delighted to formally welcome Reverend Graham Atfield to Conquest Hospital as Lead Chaplain through this licensing service. I am sure I speak for everyone in congratulating him on his appointment and wish him well in this role.

“I now look forward to working with him and developing the Chaplaincy Service to further support our patients, their families and staff.”