Chaplaincy

Introducing myself....

My name is Rob Farman and I am Chaplain at Mary Stevens Hospice. I am a Church of England priest with 17 years parish experience. I moved into Chaplaincy in 2004 when I became Chaplain Co-ordinator at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Park. I now work across the two Hospices.

My role is to be responsible for the spiritual and religious care of patients, their carers and Hospice staff of all faiths and none. At all times it is important that patients’ beliefs and values are respected no matter what these may be. I am there to support them and to help them to come to terms with their illness and to help them to try to understand in their own terms what is happening to them. I always try to ensure that the pace and content of each conversation is led by the patient.

As well as the in patient unit there is a Day Hospice where patients who are at home and are well enough can come and meet other people and share in different activities. We hold a service of worship each day at midday which patients and carers are free to join in with if they wish to.

I am joined in this task by a voluntary team of Chaplains who work with me to provide this support.

The Hospice movement has always had spiritual care at the centre of its work because we believe that it is as important as the physical, mental/emotional and social care that we provide. We work together at Mary Stevens Hospice as a team of professionals, other staff and volunteers to provide the very best care that we can to each person who comes here.