Mark Taylor is a hospital chaplain based in Cromer, whose role involves bringing Jesus into people’s lives during times of pain and difficulty. He originally trained to be a Therapy Radiographer, but came to faith in the Coventry Elim Pentecostal Church. After an injury, he trained for Baptist Ministry whilst at Sheringham Baptist Church, through Spurgeon’s Bible College. He felt called to the Chaplaincy at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust, which includes the Norfolk and Norwich hospital, Cromer Hospital, Norfolk Kidney Centre, and other admin sites around the city. His goal is to offer compassionate care and spiritual support to all, and the chaplaincy team consists of seven chaplains and a supporting group of volunteers.
The chaplains have no agenda or tick list, but aim to simply be present with patients, relatives, and staff to offer support through the ordinary and extraordinary times. They care for people from cradle to grave, and also support parents who experience pregnancy loss. Mark Taylor is based at Cromer hospital and focuses on supporting youngsters with mental health issues. He also mentioned the development of a “RISE” pack for teens to engage with their feelings and emotions whilst they are in hospital, based on patients’ suggestions and needs they identified. The chaplains also welcome prayers for their own mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, as the emotional demands of the role can sometimes be difficult to sustain.
The chaplains offer their support and care for patients, families, and staff through various difficult times, from loss and grief to baptisms and emergency marriages. Mark Taylor emphasized the privilege of chaplaincy, supporting people during moments of pain and difficulty. He mentioned the development of a “RISE” pack for teens, as well as a particular teenage patient he supported who was in hospital for over eight weeks. He also asked for prayers for their own mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, as well as for the staff and patients, and for the chaplaincy to continue to be widely welcomed and trusted throughout the whole of the Trust.
Overall, Mark Taylor’s work as a hospital chaplain involves bringing Jesus into people’s lives during times of pain and difficulty. His team consists of seven chaplains and a group of volunteers, who provide compassionate care and spiritual support to all. They care for people from cradle to grave, support parents experiencing pregnancy loss, and focus on youngsters with mental health issues. They also assist in developing a “RISE” pack for teens and welcome prayers for their own wellbeing, as well as for the staff and patients they support.
