Archbishop to pay tribute to emergency workers

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will visit West Cumberland Hospital later this month to express his thanks to those who helped out with the major incidents which affected the people of West Cumbria during the past year.

The Archbishop is keen to meet staff who helped care for patients affected by the floods of last November, the Keswick School bus crash of May and the 2 June shootings.

He will also meet representatives of the emergency and voluntary agencies involved in the immediate response, as well as those involved in the recovery phase and primary care. The Archbishop will then have a private meeting with some of the taxi drivers affected by the 2 June incident in the hospital chapel.

The Archbishop will be met by Kevin Clarkson, Deputy Chief Executive of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hospital Chaplain the Reverend Judy Evans, Jane Muller, Associate Director of Public Health for NHS Cumbria, and the Deputy Mayor of Copeland, Councillor John Jackson, on Wednesday, 17 November.

Mr Clarkson said: “We are very pleased to welcome the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, to West Cumberland Hospital. He is keen to thank members of our staff as well as other members of the emergency services who responded so magnificently to the major incidents West Cumbria faced during this past year.

“The Archbishop also wants to learn more about the redevelopment of West Cumberland Hospital, in particular how spiritual care needs will be met.”

The hospital visit is part of a two-day official visit to Cumbria, during which Dr Sentamu will also see outreach projects focussing on sport, equality, youth and community development.

The Archbishop said: “I always enjoy visiting Cumbria. The past 12 months have been difficult for many people in this area and I have been struck by the wonderful community spirit that has unfolded in response to these difficulties.