South Eastern Trust Chaplaincy team welcomes Methodist Church in Ireland President to Ulster Hospital
The Chaplaincy Team in the South Eastern Trust was delighted to welcome the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Dr John Alderdice, to the Ulster Hospital.
During his visit, Dr Alderdice had the opportunity to tour the hospital’s Acute Services Block and Inpatient Ward Block, including the new Sanctuary, which is due to open shortly.
Dr Alderdice met with Jeff Thompson, Assistant Director of Patient Experience and Tony O’Hara, Senior Manager, Patient Experience, along with members of the Trust’s 20-strong Chaplaincy Team.
This diverse team includes Methodist, Maternity, and Catholic Chaplains, all led by Lead Chaplain, Rev Don Gamble. The Chaplaincy Team plays a vital role in supporting patients, their families, and staff across the South Eastern Trust.
Dr Alderdice expressed his admiration for the collaborative efforts of the staff, emphasising how they prioritise patient-centred care.
He said: “It has been great to meet the Chaplains and staff and hear of the work that they are all doing to care for patients. It is heartening to see how the South Eastern Trust keeps holistic care at the heart of everything they do.”
This visit also allowed Dr Alderdice to witness first-hand the crucial role that the Ulster Hospital plays in delivering essential healthcare services to the community.
He was particularly pleased to learn about the training programs for Chaplains through the Internationally Accredited Clinical Pastoral Education Centre.
South Eastern Trust Lead Chaplain, Rev Don Gamble said: “We were honoured to welcome Dr Alderdice to the Ulster Hospital and to provide him with the opportunity to see the work of Chaplaincy and Patient Experience in the hospital. Dr Alderdice thanked the Chaplains and staff for the work they do in the hospital.”
Dr Alderdice was installed as President of the Methodist Church in Ireland at the Conference in June 2024 and will complete his term at the Conference in 2025.
A graduate of Queen’s University and Sheffield University, he received his PhD from Dublin City University.
He has held various significant roles, including Chaplain to Queen’s University and Stranmillis University College, Director of Ministry at the Methodist Theological College, and Superintendent of a large Circuit in South Belfast.
Reflecting on his previous experiences, Dr Alderdice fondly recalled visiting parishioners in the Ulster Hospital during his tenure as Circuit Minister at Richhill and Movilla Abbey in Newtownards.
He was very impressed with the many new and modern facilities which have opened since his last visit.
