THE ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury stopped by at a Rugby restaurant today (Thursday May 3) to discuss the subject of dying with NHS staff.
The Archbishop, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, visited Bacco Lounge in Regent Street to meet South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust directors and staff involved in end of life care and community leaders to help stimulate conversations about death.
He heard stories from people who have experienced end-of-life care from the Trust, including Tammy Neale, the parent of a child who died in the Trust’s care.
Tammy explained how her experience will benefit others after it motivated her to train as a paediatric nurse who will care for children once qualified.
The Archbishop then gave an impassioned speech and thanked all NHS staff, charity volunteers and hospice workers involved with palliative care across the region.
He also sat in on small group conversations involving a mix of decision-makers, front-line staff and community leaders.
The Archbishop is on a four-day ‘homecoming’ tour of Coventry and the region. He was welcomed to the city on Wednesday (May 2) to celebrate the 100th Centenary of the Diocese of Coventry – also the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.
He returns to the region he called home for 15 years and to Coventry Cathedral – where he was ordained in 1992.
He was a curater in Nuneaton and then a rector in Southam during his early years in the diocese.
He later served at Coventry Cathedral from 2002 to 2007, where he became the Canon for the Reconciliation Ministry.
A decade later he is frequently seen wearing the Coventry Cross of Nails.
