Last month, Kim Topham joined The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust as Lead Chaplain. She has taken on this role in addition to serving as Associate Priest across three churches in Hagley and Clent, Dean of Self-Supporting Ministers and Assistant Area Dean for the Dudley Deanery.
Kim is already a familiar face within the Trust, having supported the Maternity Bereavement Team by organising and leading funeral services for families experiencing the loss of a baby. More recently, Kim has also worked as a bank chaplain.
Kim said: “Following a challenging year for the department, the Chaplaincy Team is now rebuilding and strengthening its service. Alongside my role as full-time Lead Chaplain, we have part-time Muslim, Methodist and Roman Catholic chaplains and a part-time Chaplain Administrator. We are all supported by a dedicated team of ten volunteer chaplains from a wide range of faiths, beliefs and backgrounds and are also developing a network of local, off-site on-call chaplains to strengthen out-of-hours provision.”
Together, the Chaplaincy team provides compassionate spiritual, pastoral and religious care to patients, families and staff of all faiths and of none. Whether someone is seeking prayer, a listening ear, or support during difficult times, chaplains are available to offer care with dignity, compassion and respect.
In addition to a regular Friday Muslim prayers and Monday ‘Pause for Prayer’, the team is currently introducing weekly Roman Catholic and Anglican Communion services in the Chapel, ensuring that patients and staff have greater opportunities to participate in worship during their time at the Trust. Chaplains can be contacted to visit patients on wards, and are always happy to provide confidential support to members of staff.
Contact the Chaplaincy Team: dgft.chaplains@nhs.net
Lead Chaplain: Kim Topham - 07952 162373/ kim.topham@nhs.net
Chaplaincy Administration: Bev Cook - bev.cook@nhs.net
