Gateshead welcomes new chaplain

We recently welcomed Paul Nichol, our new Roman Catholic Chaplain here at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Paul Nichol - New Chaplain
Paul Nichol, Roman Catholic Chaplain

We recently welcomed Paul Nichol, our new Roman Catholic Chaplain here at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Paul was ordained a permanent Deacon for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle in 2018 and serves three parishes in Stanley, Dipton, and Byermoor.

He has worked for the Trust since 2002 in various roles, mainly part of the frailty team but has recently joined the chaplaincy team. This follows the retirement of Peter Jones who worked for Gateshead for 16 years.

Roman Catholic chaplain Paul Nichol said “Having worked for the Trust for around 20 years, I understand first-hand the pressures and strains that are placed on staff. So, I know that, as well as supporting patients and their families pastorally, I am as much your chaplain as I am theirs.

“My door will always be open (when I’m working!) for those of you in the Trust who will miss me on the wards, don’t worry, I will be remaining in the Frailty Team for two days a week.

“Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0191 445 2072 for any support or via switchboard for urgent or out-of-hours calls.

“I am looking forward to getting to know staff, so please do say hello if you see me around.”

Paul will be working alongside Gareth Rowlands and Joan Urwin in the chaplaincy team based at the QE Hospital in Gateshead.