name of love

Nurses

How can I combine my nursing skills with faith in a way that will bring wholeness?
 
Quote from a nurse,,,

"At last I’ve found the kind of work I believe I was really cut out for. I can give quality time to my patients and use my skills to empower others.”
 

Jesus came to bring life in all its fullness ... life that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

That means we need to encourage congregations to make the connections between faith and health, between healing and wholeness, between spiritual life and physical activities. Not just for themselves but for the people who live and work around them.

Are you a currently registered nurse with community experience of some kind?

If so you can help your church to make these connections in their communities. You could be appointed as a “Parish Nurse” with your ministry team (“Parish” can also mean community or neighbourhood). These hours will count towards your practice hours for registration. If there are other health professionals in your church you can invite them to be part of your project.

What can a Parish Nurse do?

  • Visit congregational contacts who have health-related problems, and pray with them as appropriate
  • Assist the church to offer relevant help at a person’s point of need
  • Give personal health advice and help someone to get the most appropriate treatment or care
  • Liaise with the local GP surgery and staff
  • Encourage the congregation towards more healthy lifestyles
  • Motivate volunteers and offer training and opportunities for service in the local community
  • Support and work with those already engaged in pastoral care
  • Talk to church-based groups about physical and spiritual health issues
  • Accompany someone to a stressful medical appointment
  • Make links with other voluntary groups and agencies
  • Attend and assist with services for healing
  • Help you and your leadership team to care for your own health
  • Work within the Code of Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council).


What will a Parish nurse not do?

  • A Parish Nurse will not do dressings, injections, and invasive treatments. If these are needed they are provided by the Practice nurse, or District Nursing service.
  • S/he will not give advice beyond the competencies for which s/he has been trained.
  • S/he will not put pressure on anyone to change their religion or join a particular church.


As a Parish Nurse you may work for any church part-time or full-time, on a paid or voluntary-with-expenses basis. You will have professional and spiritual supervision and be accountable to the NMC and the church.

You will also have a network of support through Parish Nursing Ministries UK, which is now providing training, advice and resources to over 40 churches with Parish Nurses. You will be linked with over 10,000 Parish Nurses around the world.

If this is something you'd like to explore the application form is here.

From time to time, churches may ask us to advertise their need for somone to act as a parish Nurse. When we have these details the will be made available by  adding additional links for each new project in this section.These vacancies are only available through Parish Nursing Ministries UK Ltd. Unless otherwise clearly stated this is an unpaid  voluntary position. Applicants must be a UK registered nurse with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and will need to complete or have completed a course of training provided by Parish Nursing Ministries UK

 WhatifLove Regional and National Leaders

 

How can I encourage my churches to reach out more effectively in their communities

Quote from a church leader...


“Parish Nursing has the potential to transform a congregation and turn it to face new challenges. It inspires new motivation for volunteering and releases new leadership potential. It helps social action become more missional and mission become more compassionate.”

Jesus came to bring life in all its fullness … life that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

That means we need to urge our congregations to make the connections between faith and health, between healing and wholeness, between spiritual life and physical activities. Not just for themselves but for the people who live and work around them.

If there are any registered nurses with community experience in your churches, they will have their professional background in health care, which, combined with their faith, can help the church to make these connections in their communities.

How about encouraging your churches to appoint a “Parish Nurse” to their ministry teams? (“Parish” can also mean community or neighbourhood.)

You could organise a local seminar for interested people. These, along with training and support networks are available through Parish Nursing Ministries UK.

 

space Ministers

 

How can I encourage my church to reach out more effectively?

Quote from a minister...


“Parish Nursing is the 21st century opportunity for mission that connects the church with community needs, in the way that Jesus did it.”

Jesus came to bring life in all its fullness … life that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

That means we need to encourage our congregations to make the connections between faith and health, between healing and wholeness, between spiritual life and physical activities. Not just for themselves but for the people who live and work around them.

Do you have any registered nurses with community experience in your church? They will have their professional background in health care, and, if they also have faith, can help the church to make these connections in their communities.

How about appointing a “Parish Nurse” to your ministry team?

 

LIFE paintbrushChurches  

 

How can we be a church that cares even more for its neighbours? Christians believe that God cares for everyone, whether or not they come to church, in a way that includes their physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. So we need to think not just about faith, and not just about healing, but about how health and faith come together for ourselves and for the people who live and work around us. Do you have any registered nurses with community experience in your church? They will have their professional background in health care and, if they also have faith, can help the church to make these connections in their communities. How about appointing a “Parish Nurse” to your ministry team? It is also possible for a team of churches or a group of churches together to appoint a Parish Nurse. In this case a management group will be appointed representing the churches concerned. Care must be taken to ensure that the Parish Nurse is not overwhelmed by demand, that there is adequate “ownership” by each church, and that each church has its own health team or committee. Several nurses could be recruited to make up a team operating from one or more Churches.  

What can a Parish Nurse do?

Visit congregational contacts who have health-related problems, and pray with them as appropriate

Assist the church to offer relevant help at a person’s point of need

Give personal health advice and help someone to get the most appropriate treatment or care

Liaise with the local GP surgery and staff

Encourage the congregation towards more healthy lifestyles

Motivate volunteers and offer training and opportunities for service in the local community

Support and work with those already engaged in pastoral care

Talk to church-based groups about physical and spiritual health issues

Accompany someone to a stressful medical appointment

Make links with other voluntary groups and agencies

Attend and assist with services for healing

Help ministers and leadership teams to care for their own health

Work within the Code of Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

A Parish Nurse may work for any church part-time or full-time, on a paid or voluntary-with-expenses basis.
 

There are now 40 UK churches from different denominations with Parish nurses. Even on volunteer hours a Parish nurse has an average of 400 contacts per year, one third of which are with unchurched people.

Some denominations are developing appropriate recognition processes for their Parish Nurses.

 

2644Treasurers

 

How can we have a bigger impact in our community with limited resources?

Quote from a church treasurer


“We were able to access funds from local charities with a focus on health improvement in the area we serve. These provided for all the initial setup costs and paid towards the training of our Parish Nurse.”

Jesus came to bring life in all its fullness … life that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

That means we need to encourage our congregations to make the connections between faith and health, between healing and wholeness, between spiritual life and physical activities. Not just for themselves but for the people who live and work around them. But time and money are limited so ...

Do you have any registered nurses with community experience already in your church?

They will have their professional background in health care, and, if they also have faith,can help the church to make these connections in their communities. They may be able to work at least part-time for the church, on a paid or voluntary-with-expenses basis. Resources and regional support are available through an annual donation to Parish Nursing Ministries UK.

 

prayerStarting a project

So you are interested in starting a health ministry project...

You could gather together the people interested in health ministry and see what they can offer between them. They could contact the local GP surgery and ascertain local need. They could also do wider research on health needs through the PCT and locate possible sources of funding for specific projects. They could pray about the way forward in health ministry. Local health staff could be invited in to Toddler groups/Senior Citizens clubs etc. to speak about health needs. More healthy eating patterns could be practised through the church catering group. Exercise classes and walking groups could be commenced.

All of the above and more could be led by a Parish Nurse. But in addition, he/she will advocate for clients, offer personal health advice, and promote the integration of spiritual care with physical care. Prayer will be a significant feature in the care that is offered. Funding could be gathered from various local sources to support a paid Parish Nurse position. Job descriptions, advertisements and person specifications are available through “Parish Nursing Ministries UK”. (PNMUK)

 

 

 Please pray that through all the endeavours of PNMUK there will be...

Footprints
  • The healing power of God’s Spirit on anyone giving or receiving Parish Nurse ministry
  • Encouragement, peace and joy among the challenges and pressures of life
  • Quality teaching, supervision and seeking after God’s truth
  • Christ-centred life that Christ may be known
  • Fruitful collaboration with church communities and health care bodies
  • God’s blessing on all who give in any way to Parish Nursing ministry
  • Hearts and minds open to the possibility of Parish Nursing ministry
[This list has 7 points so, if it suits your prayer rhythm, you can use one each day of the week.]


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Join in prayer for Parish Nursing in the UK,
sign up here for Prayermail, a monthly update.

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Parish Nursing Ministries UK prayer
Lord, you surrendered to pain and wounding;
you call us brothers and sisters
as you call us and our neighbours into the light of your healing:
release us from our wrongs;
and lead us, by the power of your Spirit, to rejoice gladly,
look kindly, listen carefully, and talk honourably;
to forgive unconditionally and to receive forgiveness;
that together we may have grace to wipe away fear
and see your blessing in others:
so with all your people we shall grow in wholeness,
live life in fullness, and walk humbly with you, our God,
for your glory’s sake. Amen
~~~~~~~~

Website dedication prayer
Lord of the universe, great oceans and skies
Lord of the internet and all that therein lies:
take our information,
and our graphic art
and give these codes a living, Kingdom heart.
Take what we show
and what we write
and make our content precious in your sight.
Amen

Organising Events

You are interested in the healthy living work of Parish Nursing Ministries and want to organise an event to inspire and involve others. If no Parish Nurse or PNMUK representative is available for your date, this sheet tells you how you can organise something yourself. Creating an event can be educational and inspiring just as much for you as for everyone else - and remember, you have lots of great information at your fingertips!

A few easy steps


When the idea pops up gather a small planning group and appoint the key organiser. Have no more than 3 meetings in total - most of the work can be done by delegation and outside the context of meetings.


  1. Make three basic decisions …
    (a) What kind of event you want to hold: Evening meeting/supper with a speaker; Coffee morning; Sunday service; All–day workshop; Outdoor fun-day; Barbeque.
    (b) Who the event is for: Your church / group of churches / diocese or region; Children or youth; the whole church; a special interest group; people outside the church; families.
    (c) What you hope to achieve: Raising funds; raising general awareness; profiling and raising support for a Parish Nurse project; launching a lifestyle campaign, project or specific health focus.
  2. Set a date for the event not less than eight weeks ahead and give it an attractive title.
  3. Choose a suitable venue, not necessarily a ‘churchy’ one. Give plenty of thought to the layout, lighting, decoration and ambience - make sure it is warm and welcoming. Avoid the deadening ‘lecture theatre’ scenario.
  4. Share out the tasks: registration process (if an estimate of numbers is required), legal requirements (child protection, health and safety), technical requirements (power, equipment), parking, publicity, catering, communication, setting up, clearing up.
  5. Involve volunteers, encourage them to research and gather material and displays.
  6. Publicise the event – church magazine, local/regional papers, email cascade, personal invitations, church website, tickets/fliers/posters. Brief the speaker clearly in a letter (date, time, venue, timing, programme, directions/map, expenses, purpose, equipment requirements).
  7. Invite people to pray for the event and for those who will attend.
  8. Include the following elements in the programme:
    (a) Welcome, icebreaker (a lighthearted quiz), presentation/input, group activities and discussion (maximise these), worship and prayer, music/images/visuals, closing comments and thanks, offering.
    (b) Food and drink – simple refreshments or a meal/buffet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables - all healthy things.
    (c) Give everyone something to go away with – a card, info pack – and something to do as a follow-up to the event.
  9. Afterwards, thank everyone for their involvement, prayer, and any money raised. Send contributions to Parish Nursing Ministries UK.
  10. Then get together one more time with your small planning group and give thanks to the Lord for the event and any evident fruits. Evaluate each of the above steps and, if there were any snags, decide how they could be overcome next time.

You might want to include a brief summary reminder of what PNMUK stands for:

Parish Nursing uses professional nursing skills in a Christian context and works across the UK with and through the church and its local community promoting whole-person health.

Rooted in a church community, a Parish Nurse combines the benefits of health and care services, community resources, and Christian faith. Parish Nursing has a strong foundation in Christian faith and is offered unconditionally to people of any faith.

Thanks for your interest in life, health, and Parish Nursing Ministries.
We hope your involvement will encourage and inspire all the members of your church.

DO HAVE FUN!!

 

 

awakeningGP Practices

How can our patients be encouraged towards better self-care and community support?

Quote from a GP

“Mrs H couldn’t understand her medication. She also needed to get out and meet people. The Parish Nurse spent two hours with her explaining how to use her “doset” box, then introduced her to a local women’s group. She’s still going and is much improved.”

Christians believe that God cares for everyone, whether or not they come to church, in a way that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.


That means they need to think not just about faith and the power of prayer, but about whole-person health care … how healthy living and faith come together for themselves and for the people who live and work around them.

One recent development of this thinking is to encourage congregations to appoint a registered nurse with community experience to help them take care of their own health and participate in community health improvement initiatives.

These “Parish Nurses” are often Practice nurses, District nurses, or Health Visitors who work in the NHS but volunteer a few hours a week to promote whole-person health and self-care with and through their congregations.

Training and support are available through PNMUK.

 

2644

Other Primary Healthcare Providers

How can the NHS work more closely with the third sector to achieve their health improvement aims? 

Quote from a consultant in preventive medicine...

“A person will attend a falls prevention class for a limited period, but if that activity is integrated with the weekly friendship club they may attend at their local place of worship, then they will be monitored regularly and encouraged to continue in health promoting activities.”

Christians believe that God cares for everyone, whether or not they come to church, in a way that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

That means they need to think not just about faith and the power of prayer, but about whole-person health care … how healthy living and faith come together for themselves and for the people who live and work around them. These values match those of many health-care providers.

One recent development of this thinking is to encourage congregations to appoint a registered nurse with community experience to help them take care of their own health and participate in community health improvement initiatives. Around 40 UK churches of all denominations are now participating in this programme.

These “Parish Nurses” are often Practice nurses, District nurses, or Health Visitors who work in the NHS but volunteer a few hours a week to promote wholeperson health and self-care with and through their congregations.

Training and regional support are available through Parish Nursing Ministries UK.

REDmyk

Public Sector

Speaking at Acevo’s health and social care conference in July 2010 The health secretary Andrew Lansley said the government wanted to decentralise decision-making on healthcare and give local communities more of a say in how services were run. The government want  to "create the largest social enterprise sector in the world. There is opportunity because the voluntary sector is at the heart of many communities and have understanding how cross-community programmes can have the best effect. There is also opportunity because across government we are going to be open to new providers, and the voluntary sector is at the heart of that".

exerciseWhy is it Needed?

Most people with health needs spend very little time in hospital or hospices where spiritual care happens through chaplaincy. Unless their need is known by a local minister, people may receive very little in the way of spiritual care in the community, other than that occasionally offered through community mental health teams, or cancer care nurses, but community health services are limited and have to be directed to the most needy.

What about those who do not need home treatments or injections? Is anyone there to make the connections between all the services that are available? To explain things that are not understood? To signpost people to appropriate agencies? Is anyone there to recruit and coordinate volunteer help? To encourage self-help? To promote a healthy lifestyle for faith groups, and the communities they serve?

Professional nurses are trained to coordinate appropriate care around the health needs of an individual or community. Many entered nursing because they felt a sense of vocation arising from their faith commitment.  Most church communities have at least one registered nurse in the congregation. Yet their skills may not be recognised or used within the faith community.

In the NHS, staff are not encouraged to speak of faith. But the NHS recognises that spiritual care is important, and it is also looking for sustainable ways to involve the third sector.

The church derives its wholistic view of health from the ministry of Jesus and is looking for sustainable ways to be missional in its practical work, and pastoral in its mission initiatives.  Parish Nursing addresses both these areas.

 

Lesley BPThird agers

Abigail Rian Evans states that a unique value of Christian understanding of health is that it is a gift to us not for our own comfort but to enable us to serve others 

A Parish Nurse coordinates volunteers, often from the ages of 50 to 70, to enable them to offer effective care to others. This brings a sense of identity and value to people who may not otherwise have much self-worth.

One nurse in a deprived area managed to recruit a team of 32 pastoral visitors whom she then trained and coordinated to visit, look out for poor health indicators and refer back to her for any necessary nursing intervention.

teenagers2webTeenagers

Most churches have youth groups and some have detached youth workers. A Parish Nurse contributes to the health education programme for teenagers, especially when it comes to sexual health, diet, alcohol and drugs education and preparation for parenting.

Spiritual care is available through befriending, mentoring, role-modelling and exposure to opportunities for voluntary work, and overseas travel

schoolChildren

Churches run holiday clubs, uniformed organisations and Sunday activities as well as having links with local schools. Spiritual care is offered through this means, and with a Parish Nurse.

Health education can be incorporated into the programmes. First Aid classes can be organised for children carers and school staff

hattersleyPeople in urban areas

Churches sited on urban estates tend to have good community space and an active programme for all ages. They have seen many social projects from other agencies come and go, but the church remains for the long term.

A Parish Nurse on such an estate but linked with the church will through these activities have access to many families that a state-run health service may not reach. He/she may be the link that provides access to youth clubs and organisations run by the church that offer friendship and good community values alongside spiritual care. One nurse has developed a drugs education programme for parents in a deprived community.

snow3People in rural areas

 
Those of any age without transport are likely to be more isolated and there may not be a surgery or chemist nearby. But there will be a church. Health facilities could therefore be offered using the church buildings, or volunteers and the link is made through the Parish Nurse. Several current Parish Nurses work in rural areas where community facilities are limited. One has initiated a drop-in shop, where cards and books are on sale and sessions with the Parish Nurse are held weekly.

June - David PollendinePeople at Work

The workplace has become more complex and demanding in recent years and it is well recognised that today in all walks of life, stress is a major problem for people of working age.

One Parish Nurse has designed a very popular ten week course for stressed adults called “Balance”. It involves a review of lifestyle, including attention to nutrition, time management, exercise, health surveillance, relaxation and leisure use, forgiveness facilitation, conflict resolution, relationships with others and with God.

 

Migrant Workersxin_022110419085057819261

Many churches are reaching out to migrant workers from Europe. Some of these find church is their only link with society other than the employer for whom they work long hours.

Most of these workers have little access to health care and need advice and follow-up. They may also need advocacy within the health service, which can be provided by the Parish Nurse.

 

 

Homeless people2094893045_23c2d60a9c

 
Churches already work with homeless people. Parish Nurses may attend food banks, soup runs and clothing shops for the homeless, looking for health problems that can be addressed and supplying nutritious food parcels. Or a Parish Nurse could encourage a church to take up such a ministry along with appropriate training.

 

ElLesley dogderly people

Often isolated and lonely, the elderly may require more listening time than can be offered through the NHS. Parish Nurses, through their own voluntary effort and in mobilisation of other volunteers, can offer this time. They can identify safety risks and take steps to mitigate them. Through extensive networking they can introduce lonely people to appropriate community groups. They can pray with people and take communion to them. And even the elderly can become volunteers themselves and find friendship and value in doing that.
 

Lesley - coffee shopChronically ill

Families with a chronically ill member can be linked up with trained volunteers through the Parish nurse. Hospital visits can be accompanied so that terms are explained, drug regimes are monitored, and follow-up appointments are not missed. End of life care is discussed and preparations made. People are enabled to attend worship or receive communion if they wish. Help with finding home care and allowances is offered.

 

DSCF0008-1Black and ethnic minorities

 

 The black-led churches are attended by a large percentage of people from ethnic groups who often have strong faith histories but may have particular health needs. For example, diabetes and sickle cell anaemia are more common in some of these groups.

Screening programmes can be organised through the Parish Nurse and appropriate referrals made that might not otherwise be detected.

Prayer for healing may be enhanced by professional nursing practice, encouragement towards healthy lifestyles, and appropriate referrals.

One church in London has around 40 different ethnic minorities in attendance. The Parish Nurse organised a health fair one Sunday after the service, at which Blood pressures, BMI’s and other screening tests were offered. One third of the congregation were referred to GP’s and followed up. Most of them had never attended a GP surgery.

bereavmentBereaved

 
Bereavement is a time of health risk and Parish Nurses have been able to increase levels of bereavement care in the community by encouraging more volunteers to be trained and coordinated for this work. Churches have privileged access to bereaved people through the organization of funerals, and a Parish nurse would add value to this.

 

 2752

Who Benefits

A variety of people/groups stand to benefit from the availability of a Parish Nurse. Parish Nurses operate in a wide range of differing communities ranging from inner city urban estates to rural towns and villages. Each community presents it's own challenge in terms of local need.

A parish nurse will know their community well and will undertake activities geared to meet the needs of that community. You can find out more about the kinds of people who benefit from their support by following the menu links from this page.

2390Get Involved

There are lots of opportunities for nurses, church members, churches, or members of the medical and social professions to get involved.  You've got choices for direct involvement; or for meeting and learning; or support by praying or giving.

If you are interested in starting a project there is a detailed guide explaining what is involved available online, all you need to do is sign up for a user account. This is a quick process which will provide you with a user id and password, Once you have logged in to the site you will have access to a lot of additional material to help you explore how you can get involved with Parish Nursing.

 

 

 

National Coordinator
HelenW
Helen Wordsworth
 
Trustees
lbickly Jane Bochenski John Sparks [crop] John Lawes Pamela Woods
Lynda Bickley Jane Bochenski John Sparks John Lawes Pamela Woods Geoff Waghorn
       Regional Coordinators 
South East & North Thames
 East Midlands West Midlands North West South East & South Thames
Wales & South West
Elizabeth Welch Debbie Marsh (2) jennie Jane Cripps Jill Eveleigh
Elizabeth Welch Debbie Marsh Jennie Fytche
 Jane Cripps Jill Eveleigh Kim Wilson
       
East North East Scotland East London
Sue Evans (Small) Tracey Ingram (Small) Barbara Macfarlane  Daphne Woodhouse

Sue Evans

 Tracy Ingram Barbara Macfarlane  Daphne Woodhouse

Council of Reference

Mrs. Lynda Bickley, M.A., R.N., R.M., R.N.T., D.M.S.,Dip.Counselling.,Cert.Theology.
Revd. David Coffey B.A., Past President, Baptist World Alliance
Rt Revd Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton
Revd. Debbie Hodge, M.A, R.N., R.N.T. B.Sc, P.G.D.E., Cert.Theology.
Revd. Dame Sarah Mullally R.N., D.B.E.
Revd. Terry Oakley B.A., M.A., Moderator, of the East Midlands Synod, United Reformed Church
Dr. Malcolm Rigler M.B,Ch.B; D.(Obs) R.C.O.G
Major Jonathan Roberts, Salvation Army
Revd Peter Hancock., Chair, Northampton District of the Methodist Church
Rt Revd. Frank White, Bishop of Brixworth
Revd. Dr Nigel Wright B.A., B.D., M.Th., Ph.D., F.R.S.A.

History

The Historical Development of Parish Nursing

Granger WestbergThe Parish Nurse Role of today was initially developed by Revd Dr Granger E Westberg in 1985 in the USA. He recognised the role that nurses, with their knowledge of both medical science and of the humanities, played in effecting a professional relationship between the medical establishment and the individual within the context of their community. He established the Parish Nurse role, which now operates in approximately 10,000 in 23 countries altogether around the world.

In 2001 a group was convened by Dr Malcolm Rigler, General Practitioner, to explore the possibilities for development of this role within UK. Ann Solari-Twaddell (author of 'Parish Nursing - Promoting Whole Person Health Within Faith Communities', Sage Publications, London, 1999) was invited to present the case for this at a National conference in July 2001.




Biblical foundation and scientific developments

BBS Ston Bible cup 180306One fifth of the Christian Gospel is devoted to Jesus' healings and the ensuing debate around them. In Hebrew culture at this time, body and spirit were not divorced and Jesus viewed individuals as an essential unity. In His healing work He focused on relations between the person and God, the person and their neighbours, the person and the world. He commissioned disciples to continue his work. In The Acts of the Apostles we see that mission; a sense of wholeness and healing was an integral part of the work of the church. Since that time the church has, through its own varied experiences, sometimes of persecution and other times of acceptance and integration with the state, continued to engage in care and healing activities, but also in the developing debate between religion and science.

The influence of Greek and Roman thought and the development of science and particularly medical science throughout the ensuing centuries has led to a dualistic view of the person, with physical health perceived as the remit of doctors and health services and the church's role relegated to the care of the soul.

UK context

Margaret Lawes armchair exercises parachuteIn the UK it is clear that the National Health Service cannot comprehensively meet the burgeoning demand for increasingly complex health care and there is a need for individuals and communities to reclaim a responsibility for whole person care. The published Department of Health document on Self Care verbalises this realisation (Department of Health website, February 2005). The church, as part of its fundamental remit of bringing wholeness and salvation through Christ, is well equipped to engage more fully in this activity, reclaiming its original remit as commissioned by Jesus. However, those who undertake to operate in the ministry of Health care need to do it to agreed standards and quality of care. The establishment of Parish Nursing as a recognised practice provides the opportunity to protect the public.

In December 2001, Rev'd Helen Wordsworth, a Baptist minister with a background in nursing and health visiting, submitted a dissertation toward an M.Th. to The University of Wales, developing the concept for application in the UK. Through subsequent conferences and consultations, a steering group eventually gave birth to eight pilot projects in a number of Christian denominations in January 2004, supported by an education programme.

A further group of 8 pilot projects commenced in January 2005, each nurse having completed the training course. The scope and standards for practice in Parish Nursing are being developed and issues of accountability and clinical governance are being explored.

Some steering group members attended the 18th Westberg Symposium on Parish Nursing in St Louis in September 2004 and at this Symposium agreement was reached on the development of a World Forum for Parish Nursing. A further group of pilot nurses and tutors visited the U.S.A. in February 2005 to observe and learn from practicing Parish Nurses in varieties of denominational and social contexts in Milwaukee, Chicago and St Louis.

The introductory course for registered nurses in the UK is now established and runs 3 times a year. The trained Parish Nurses are working in a growing number of churches in England, Wales and Scotland (68 projects in summer 2010), some churches having more than one Parish Nurse.

The new charity and not-for-profit company was formed in 2006. Parish Nursing Ministries UK has a Council of Reference, a board of Trustees, and nine regional co-ordinators who work with the UK Co-ordinator to promote develop and co-ordinate Parish Nursing in different parts of the UK.

 

into the Lenthall ChapelVision

 

Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK) is a not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to maximise the wellbeing of society in community through three specific means: application of professional nursing skills to healthy living and coping with illness; response to people’s inner (spiritual) needs; and mobilisation of ordinary members of church communities and beyond. Parish Nursing in the UK involves registered nurses with community experience, local churches and communities, and relates to local Primary Care Trusts.

PNMUK provides and continues to develop training for registered nurses to become accredited Parish Nurses. The Trust is engaged in development of the theology of health and wellbeing; in articulating the spiritual component and value; and in identifying good practice. The Trust seeks to work collaboratively with complementary organisations and to participate in complementary faith initiatives; it is non-denominational and non-sectarian.

 

Parish Nursing uses professional nursing skills in a Christian context and works across the UK with and through the church and its local community promoting whole-person health. Rooted in a church community, a Parish Nurse combines the benefits of health with spiritual care care and community resources. Parish Nursing has a strong foundation in Christian faith but is offered unconditionally to people of any faith.


Accountability is normally through the local church, and the projects are locally funded. Parish Nursing operates in consultation with other health providers. Professional skill, care and compassion are qualities a Parish Nurse brings as part of a ministry team, for the benefit of that team and church, and for its community. The collaborative ministry includes training and co-ordinating of volunteers to participate in the church’s care for its local community.

You can arrange for someone to come and tell you more about the basic concept. There's a team of supporters who love Parish Nursing so much they've volunteered to explain it to others! Just send us a request for a Parish Nursing Advocate to visit


We would like to help you discover more about the work of Parish Nursing Ministries, particularly,,,

  • Who we are and something of our history.
  • Who benefits from the work of Parish Nurses
  • How you can get involved in the work of Parish Nursing
  • How you can support this work through prayer, time and giving
  • How you can find a Parish Nurse near you.

Maybe you are interested in having a Parish Nurse working in your community. You can access a lot more information to help you decide if this is for you and how to go about it by signing up for an account