Hospital Imam to help doctors and patients

Feb 20 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A MERSEYSIDE hospital has appointed its own Imam to allow Islamic doctors, patients and other staff to practise their faith.

Safaraz Mohmed is the first Imam to be taken on by an acute hospital trust in the region and his new role at University Hospital Aintree will involve conducting Friday prayers for the large number of Muslim doctors, patients and staff.

He will also be available to visit wards if bed-bound patients wish to see him.

Mr Mohmed said: “My main role is to lead Friday prayers and then if there are any patients who want to see me I will go to them. I am very much looking forward to meeting members of the University Hospital community.”

The appointment is part of the overall growth of the Chaplaincy provision within the Trust, which aims to offer staff and patients of all faiths an opportunity to actively practise their religion on site.

Chaplaincy team leader, Rev Dr Ian Lovett, believes the hospital’s religious support is an important part of Chaplaincy services across the North West.

He said: “This is an all-faiths Chaplaincy and we can call on representatives of all faiths when needed – from Buddhists to Pagans.

“This new appointment is just one example of the increase in the range of service provision.

“It’s function at Aintree is fully supported by the chief executive, the Trust Board and through all layers of staff and is continually developing and growing and seeking more ways to address the religious and spiritual needs of the hospital community.”

In addition to the new appointment, the hospital’s chapel has just had a major refurbishment and redecoration, with the introduction of washing facilities for Muslim worship.

The Chaplaincy also offers the support of a unique dedicated palliative care Chaplain to patients, staff and family members to help them deal with the traumas of terminal illness.

And with more Roman Catholic patients than any other Trust in the UK, standing at 30-35%, a team of Roman Catholic Chaplains are on hand to provide support and guidance to people belonging to this faith.

Staff can also talk through their problems through a support group called the Listening Ear.

Chief Executive James Birrell added: “We as a Trust believe it is important to accommodate the beliefs of all our patients and staff, and welcome the appointment of an Imam.”

lizawilliams