It was wonderful to welcome Bishop Jackie, Bishop of Crediton and Acting Bishop of Exeter, to North Devon District Hospital on Monday 21 October.

As the Exeter Diocese prepares to welcome Bishop Mike in November, this may well be one of her last official visits in North Devon. The Bishop was welcomed by Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer, and also spent time with some of the spiritual care and wellbeing team, enjoying the calm oasis of the chaplaincy centre and our garden space, and asking all sorts of questions about life in the hospital today.

Simon Harrison, Head of Pastoral and Spiritual Care, said: “It was so lovely that she found time in her final few weeks as Bishop to come and visit us here in North Devon. Bishop Jackie was our key link with the Diocese throughout the difficult years of COVID-19 and has always taken a keen personal interest in how we are doing, both in the chaplaincy and with all of our colleagues throughout the hospital. It was evident how delighted she was in the broad and inclusive way in which our service has evolved, the beautiful space we offer and the good working relationship we have with local faith and belief communities.“

Bishop Jackie said: “It was great to meet in this little 'sanctuary of calm' and have an opportunity to hear about all the challenges that staff face within the NHS. It was also good to hear from Carolyn about all the innovations going on, such as how our hospital is finding new ways to support healthcare careers in North Devon. It was also good to hear that the Trust has such a strong commitment to delivering spiritual care and wellbeing as part of its core work.”