Former isles GP becomes
first lay assistant chaplain
(Published in The Orcadian, Thursday, January 18, 2001)

Balfour Hospital’s new assistant chaplain, Dr Christine Laird is the first non-ordained person to hold this post (Picture: Orkney Photographic)

The Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall now has the services of its first lay assistant hospital chaplain.

Dr Christine Laird, who came to Orkney in 1992 as the GP for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, is the first non-ordained person to hold the post. She is hoping it will reflect the new approach to chaplaincy work in the hospital.

“In the past patients sometimes felt they were ‘pounced upon’ by visiting ministers who went about the wards talking religion and saying prayers,” commented Dr Laird. “Quite rightly, the Patients’ Charter has changed all that. Families now have to ask if they want to see a chaplain and the chaplains will only pass the patient’s name to their minister if the patient requests it.”

Dr Laird works alongside her colleague, hospital chaplain the Rev Dr Mike Ward, out of a small office beside the hospital chapel. Dr Laird, who is married and lives in Evie, had to stop practising as a GP in 1999 because of health reasons.

“I have a long-term and continuing medical condition,” she explained. “I wasn’t fit enough to do regular work but after all the long years of studying I wanted to carry on helping people in some way. I go to a ladies Bible study group and it was one of them that suggested I apply for the post of assistant hospital chaplain which became vacant when Eleanor Morson went South.”

In many ways Dr Laird is well suited top the post. She used to be medical advisor to the adoption and fostering panel and is studying for a diploma in pastoral and clinical counselling. Her experience as a working GP combined with her long spells in hospital as a patient have given her some insight into what it is like to be ill.

“A chaplain is concerned with spiritual and pastoral care. We are not religious predators, but look at how illness and injury affects the whole person and their family. Sometimes people just need to talk about their concerns,” she said.

Dr Laird added that she wants to turn the small office in the chapel into a friendlier place. She has easy chairs and a kettle and hopes that it will become a place for people to drop in and have a cup of coffee or eat their lunch.

“We try and introduce ourselves to staff and the visiting student nurses. We are here for them too if they want to see us. Sometimes we can be a neutral sounding board if people are having difficulties at work or at home.”

There are also plans to start a library of books,CDs and videos for the use of patients and children.

“The videos and books don’t need to be religious –- just something to pass the time,” said Dr Laird. “We are relying on donations which people can leave in the chapel. It will be an open access library for patients, staff and visitors.”

Dr Laird plans to be in the hospital on a regular basis on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11am to 2pm to offer a counselling service. In addition to Dr Ward’s visiting, she will make weekly visits to the wards where people have asked to see a chaplain and will help along with the rota of churches who provide the Sunday afternoon chapel service at 2.30pm followed by the service in St Ninian Ward at 3pm. Dr Laird also has special responsibilities for staff and patients in the Maternity Ward.

“This job couldn’t have come at a better time for me now that I have given up general practice,” said Dr Laird. “It is a very practical way of applying my faith and I am really enjoying being around the hospital for people who need me.”