National Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day Report for 16 November 6 December 2015 Our sincere thanks to all for making this a very special and successful event. The UK Sikh Healthcare Chaplaincy Group organised a day of prayer during the weeks 16 November 6 December 2015 in UK hospitals aimed at promoting community links between the NHS and the Sikh community with the help of the Sikh Chaplains and members of the Sikh community from various Gurdwaras. The prayers in hospitals across the country were held for the well-being, recovery of those who are currently in hospital regardless of faith, race or gender and for World peace. On many occasions some Chaplains shared drinks and food denoting the tradition of Langar (free kitchen) which expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. THE PRAYERS/ARDAS WERE SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTED AT: Bedford: Tirath Singh Bhavra and Dashvinder Pal Kaur Sehmbi led the Sikh Prayer Day at Faith & Belief Room Opening Bedford Hospital The new and improved Faith and Belief room was opened on Thursday 3 December after nearly two years of hard work and wonderful cooperation between Faith & Belief leaders from Bedfordshire. It has been a shining example of leaders working together to make sure we have the right facilities for staff patients and visitors who come to Bedford Hospital. The opening ceremony included prayers and blessing from our faith & Belief Representatives. Tirath Singh Bhavra and Dashvinder Pal Kaur Sehmbi led prayers for the Sikhs. The Bishop of Bedford blessed and dedicated the space for Christians. We also had Buddhist drumming and a reading, Hindu prayers, a Quaker blessing, an Islamic prayer and a Humanist dedication. 1
The lead Chaplain, Nicola McIntosh said, It has been an honour to see this new room be used so fully. Sikh prayers for healing is held once a month where people from the community come and join Tirath and Dashvinder in prayer. We have a Quaker half hour blessing every month, as well as the more regular Muslim and Christian prayer times. The room is used by many of all faiths and Beliefs just to come and sit and reflect and find that bit of peace and quiet. At the opening Chief Executive of Bedford Hospital Stephen Conroy said I am sure that staff, patients and visitors will very quickly embrace our new and improved facility. Well done to everyone involved in its design and development. Birmingham: Birmingham Children s Hospital Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal reported that Bahadar Singh conducted the prayer and then did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and World peace. Revd Paul Nash and staff also attended the Prayer Day and were very happy with the prayers. After the Ardas, sweets were distributed to all present. 2
Birmingham: City & Sandwell Hospital Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal and Joga Singh conducted the prayer and then did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World peace. The Chaplain, Ann Stevenson and staff also attended the Prayer Day and were very happy with the prayers. After the Ardas, sweets were distributed to all present. Birmingham: The Mary Stevens Hospice - Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal and Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal conducted the prayer and then did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World peace. Revd David Knight, Consultants and 10-12 staff also attended the Prayer Day and were very happy with the prayers. After the Ardas, sweets were distributed to all present. Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal and Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal gave a talk about Sikh Religion and afterwards a Questions & Answers session was held. The Caring for a Sikh Patient booklets and leaflets were distributed to all present. Birmingham: Warwick Hospital Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal and Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal conducted the prayer and then did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World peace. Revd David Knight and staff also attended the Prayer Day and were very happy with the prayers. After the Ardas, sweets were distributed to all present. 3
Warwick Hospital Birmingham: Walsall Manor Hospital Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal and Mr Gill conducted the prayer and then did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World peace. The Chaplain Rev Alison Cole and staff also attended the Prayer Day and were very happy with the prayers. After the Ardas, sweets were distributed to all present. Birmingham: Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Joga Singh and Man Kaur conducted the prayer and then did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World Peace. Revd Richard Wharton and staff also attended the Prayer Day and were very happy with the prayers. After the Ardas, sweets were distributed to all present. Cardiff: Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend Gurwinder Singh and committee members from Cardiff Gurdwara conducted prayers and did the Ardas for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World Peace. Revd Hilary Jardine said: All went well and thank you for your help. Even though we did not have any Sikh patients in the hospital on the day (as far as I am aware) it was good to meet Gurwinder and party and have that contact for any future need. I am sure that the prayers offered will have been of blessing to the hospital also. 4
Coventry: Walsgrave Hospital Coventry - Giani Kuldeep Singh said: We had a nice gathering at the Prayer Day on 5th November 2015 and our volunteers ladies / staff members, participated and delivered the Guru Ka Langar to all here at Faith Centre U.H.C.W. Walsgrave. Every year, I always try to invite/ unite Sadh Sangat to serve Humanity. We started the programme with Sri Sukhmani Sahib Ji Path and followed by Kirtan and Guru Ka Langar was delivered afterwards. Derby: Royal Derby Hospital David Ashton, Chaplaincy Services Manager reported that Jaspal Singh Siani and a group from the Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara, Derby conducted prayers for health and well-being in the Faith Centre at the Royal Derby Hospital on Thursday, 26th November 2015 from 2-3pm. Jaspal Singh continues to volunteer with the Chaplaincy Service and visits patients every Wednesday morning. Essex: Goodmayes Mental Health - Parminder Kaur Kondral on Thursday 3 December at 3.00pm. Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Ravinder Kaur Virdee, Mahinder Kaur Bilku, Satpal Kaur Panesar and Parminder Kaur gathered in the Faith Room at Sunflower Courts, Goodmayes. We were welcomed in the reception by Tony Rablen, Team Chaplain and were joined by Mirabai Swingler, Lead Chaplain. We recited Chaupai Sahib and closed with Ardas. We also fulfilled Morrow, Patrick, Camden and Islington Trust s prayers here. Mirabai took us to her Office and where we shared tea and biscuits. 5
Goodmayes Mental Health Essex: Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital - Charanjit Kaur Ghataore & Mrs Rajinder Kaur Degan on Friday 4 December 10.00am. Charanjit Kaur and Parminder met Raj Kaur at Basildon Hospital and were greeted by Revd. Linda Peall Team Chaplain & one more from the Team. There was a visitor whose mother was poorly in the faith room who joined in with our prayers. We recited Chaupai Sahib, Anand Sahib and Rajinder Kaur concluded with Ardas. We shared the home made sweets made by Raj Kaur, biscuits, crisps and drinks. Essex: King George Hospital, Goodmayes Parminder Kaur Kondral arranged the Prayer Day. It was attended by Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Satwant Kaur Marwa and Parminder Kaur on Saturday 21 November 2015. We recited the Chaupai Sahib and Gurmit Kaur conducted the Ardas. We shared coffee and biscuits at the Hospital Canteen after the prayers. 6
Essex: Queens Hospital, Romford - Arvinder Singh arranged the Prayer Day. Balvinder Kaur Saund, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Rajinder Kaur Johal, Inderjit Kaur Bhatia, Satwant Kaur Marwa and Parminder Kaur Kondral on Saturday 21 November 2015 at 10:30am. We recited Japji Sahib and Arvinder Singh conducted the Ardas. We were joined by Tim Coleman, Team Chaplain. Leicester: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Glenfield Hospital Sulakhan Singh Dard, Tarlochan Virk and colleagues on 16th December 2015 from 11.30-12.30pm Special Ardas said at Leicester General Hospital. You can see the Sangat. We did the Kirtan and welcomed everybody and gave big thanks to the Chaplaincy staff at Leicester General Hospital as well as the other two hospitals. Why we do the Sikh chaplaincy sewa to get blessing from our Guru Sahib who has showered upon us to carry out this Volunteer sewa. We celebrate Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Agman Diwas as well as the martyrdom day of Mata Gujri Ji and Shotey Sahib Zadey. The event was very successful. Soft drinks and refreshment were provided to the guests. It lasted about one hour and with the blessing of Guru Maharaj we hope that we will carry on celebrating this event every year. 7
Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Glenfield Hospital 8
London Beckton: Richard House Children's Home - Charanjit Kaur Ghataore & Parminder Kaur Kondral on Monday 16 November 2015 at 12.30pm. We were scheduled to give a presentation on Sikhism and End of Life Care to Doctors, Nurses and Auxiliary staff to help them understand how to care for Sikh Patients and conduct the Prayer Day. Three Sikh Families, whose children use Richard House, gave Sikh Chaplaincy a donation in an envelope. We left this with the staff at Richard House to use it for the children. The presentation was given by Parminder Kaur. This was followed by recitation of Mool Mantar and Charanjit Kaur conducted the Ardas. We distributed drinks & sweets to be used at breaks with families and staff. London: Haven House Children's Hospice, South Woodford Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Rajinder Kaur Degan and Parminder Kaur Kondral met at Haven House on 28 January at 11.00am. Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive and Haven House Staff welcomed us warmly. Staff, families & patients were gathered in the Training room, for the Prayer Day and staff was scheduled for training after this event. This was the first Prayer Day held here and Parminder explained how we were going to conduct this hour. Rajinder Kaur on the harmonium ( vaja ) & Charanjit Kaur with the dolki sang the Mool Mantar and Shabad (Aukhi Gari Na Dekhan Dayee) accompanied by Parminder Kaur. Staff, parents and one patient was present. They were given the English version of the Mool Mantar and Shabad. Ardas was performed by Charanjit Kaur for the well-being of all patients, staff and for World Peace. We were taken for a tour of Haven House by Natalie Tomlinson and staff and parents then met us in the music room for a cup of tea and biscuits. 9
Mike added his thanks as follows: Parminder A huge thank you to you and your colleagues for coming to lead the prayer session today everyone really appreciated you taking the time and we all enjoyed the music (and the instruments). Thank you also for the water and the sweets inevitably my colleagues have already made a big dent in the latter! Thank you again and I hope to see you soon, Very best wishes Mike Palfreman Chief Executive, Haven House Children s Hospice London: Newham University Hospital - Charanjit Kaur Ghataore & Parminder Kaur Kondral on Monday 16 November 2015 at 10.00am. We were welcomed by the Lead Chaplain, Yunus Dhudwala and new Christian Chaplain. Before starting the prayers, Parminder visited three Sikh patients in three wards. We recited the Mool Mantar and read Chaupai Sahib three times. Charanjit Kaur conducted the Ardas and we shared drinks and sweets with the chaplaincy staff. 10
London: Homerton University Hospital, E9 Jagmohan Singh and Sangat from the Gurdwara held the prayer day on 17 November 2015 at 11.00am London: St Joseph s Hospice, Hackney - Jagmohan Singh and Sangat from the Gurdwara held the prayer day on 17 November 2015 at 1.00pm. Jackie Aziz, Secretary to the Director of Mission said: Many thanks for your generous cheque donation to the hospice along with the food, which are gratefully received. I am sorry that both Sr Hilary and myself (both on annual leave) were not able to greet you on Tuesday. I am pleased to hear that your prayer session went well and we are again grateful for your prayers for our patients and the hospice. 11
London: Whipps Cross Hospital - Manvir Kaur Sehmbi & Parminder Kaur Kondral on Monday 23 November 2015 at 3.00pm in the Faith Room. We recited Chaupai Sahib and Parminder Kaur conducted the Ardas. London: Guy's Hospital Parminder Kaur Kondral arranged the Prayer Day. It was attended by Mahinder Kaur Bilku, Satpal Kaur Panesar, Ravinder Kaur Virdee, and Parminder Kaur Kondral on 27 November 2015. We were greeted by the Muslim Chaplain - Abdul Chowdhury and escorted to the Faith Room. We recited Japji Sahib, Chaupai Sahib and Mahinder Kaur conducted the Ardas. We were joined by a Christian Chaplain with whom we shared drinks and biscuits. 12
London: University College London Hospital Sital Singh Maan and Baljeet Lakhan and students did Prayer/Ardas at UCL Sikh Society. Baljeet wrote to Sital Singh and said: Thank you for helping with the Kirtan Darbar last week, and thank you so much for the samosas! The total number of people was around 45-50, and I ve attached some of the photos from the event. 13
Manchester: Wythenshawe Hospital Ravinder Singh Roud and Granthi Ji from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Manchester celebrated Annual Prayer day on 30th November at 12 noon. Revd Katherine Lesueur said: All went smoothly on the 30th. Thank you for arranging it. Middlesex: Vicarage Farm Care Home, Hounslow Saroj Bhesania and colleagues The prayers were held on 04.12.15 and it went very well, the residents present thoroughly enjoyed praying, it was conducted by a relative whose husband is residing with us. She also kindly brought in Prasad to share with all of us. Northamptonshire: Berrywood Hospital - Tirath Singh Atwal on 24th November 2015 - Harkirat Singh said: Tirath Singh and Dr Ravjot Kaur working at the hospital read Chaupai and Ardas. All went well. Revd Stephen Willis said: May I express my thanks and gratitude on behalf of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for the prayers offered for our patients, hospital, families and staff during the Sikh National Prayer Day. We are encouraged and moved to be remembered in your prayers and honoured that Tirath Singh Atwal visited the hospital on 24th November. I would like to add my personal thanks as I was welcomed into being present when the prayers were being said. It was a humbling and poignant experience to be able to share prayers and concerns for our world, near and far, with such gracious people. I look forward to the prayers next year. Northamptonshire: Milton Keynes Hospital - Ranbir Kaur Baba and her friends celebrated Annual Prayer day on 24th November 2015. Revd Sarah Crane said: Thank you for your kind email, as far as I know all went well. Northamptonshire: St Mary s Hospital, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kettering SS Garcha and colleagues on 20th November at 10.00am Northamptonshire: Willen Hospice, Milton Keynes - Ranbir Kaur Baba and her friend on 26th November 2015. Revd Steve Barnes said: It was our privilege to be a part of the day. I thank you for organising it and for our two visitors who conducted the prayer for us. I am very impressed that they have volunteered and trained to be chaplains. The prayer went very well and they helpfully visited a patient whilst they were here. 14
I may have missed some information, but for next time it would be helpful to be reminded that it is respectful to take our shoes off and wear a head covering. I could have added that to our publicity and avoided the mad rush at the very beginning trying to find a suitable item for our heads. As it happened it was a very busy period on the ward and I was the only one able to attend. I balanced a paper table napkin on my head! Had I stopped to think about it for a moment I would have remembered but a gentle reminder in future would be helpful. Keep up the good and generous work. Norwich: Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Ujjal Singh Kular We had a prayer at Guru Nanak Dev Ji s Gurpurab celebrations, and then again on the 11th Dec at the N&N Hospital. It was attended by five of us from the Sikh Society, the hospital Chaplain Rev Stella Green also joined us. Oxford: John Radcliffe Hospital Davinder Singh. Prayers were held by Davinder Singh for the wellbeing of the patients and the staff at the Hospital John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford. Sheffield: Hallamshire Hospital, Northern General Hospital and Western Park Hospital in Sheffield Surinder Singh Dhillon said: I did the Ardas at Hallamshire Hospital for the well-being of all the patients in the 3 hospitals on 18th November at 11.30am. I was in touch with Hardeep Mudhar but he was busy at that time and could not join me. Sheffield: Children s Hospital Surinder Singh Dhillon said: I did the Ardas at Children s Hospital in Sheffield on 8th December. Kathy Green was not there but I saw Clare. It went well. Somerset: Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton Darshan Singh Gill and Granthi Ji from Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southampton on 19th November at 10.30am. With agreement between both Revd Susan Cowburn and Revd Vivien Henderson, Prayers/Ardas were conducted for the well-being of all patients for Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset by Darshan Singh and Granthi Ji for the well-being of all patients at Southampton General Hospital. Southampton: Southampton General Hospital Darshan Singh Gill and Granthi Ji from Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southampton on 19th November at 10.30am. At Southampton General Hospital, Prayers/Ardas was conducted by Darshan Singh and Granthi Ji for the well-being of all patients. Sunderland: Sunderland Royal Hospital - Priya Kaur Bajaj on 17th November. Revd Peter Webb said: It was a privilege to welcome Priya to the chaplaincy this week, and to establish an even better link with the Sikh community going forward. It is always a great joy to have the sacred space of the Chapel used for prayer, and we feel very blessed that the community found time to come and pray for patients and staff on Tuesday. Shrewsubry: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital - Hermohinder Singh Uppal and colleagues from Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara celebrated the Annual Prayer day on 24th November at 11am. Surrey: NHS Trust Kingston upon Thames - Makan Singh said: As I promised sometime back I am pleased to report the Ardas was arranged on the 9th of November in the chapel of NHS Trust Kingston upon Thames Surrey. I took with me the president of our local Gurdwara S Nirmal Singh and another Sikh gentleman and from hospital side had a number of people including the Lead Chaplain. 15
The Revd Susan van Beveren and The Revd Judith Roberts and half a dozen other people participated and commented: The service was started with the recitation of Japji Sahib followed by the Ardas and afterward the giving of Parshad which we took it from our Gurdwara. The hospital side arranged a lovely cake cut and distributed to the congregation followed by tea and coffee. We observed our usual rituals all heads covered shoes off and suchlike. People present there asked a lot of question which we answered. I think it was the first time such an event took place in the hospital, and it was success. Please extend my regards to the chaplaincy group at your side. Telford: Princess Royal Hospital - Hermohinder Singh Uppal and colleagues from Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara celebrated the Annual Prayer day on 25th November at 11am. Wolverhampton: New Cross Hospital - Giani Shyam Singh reported: We celebrated the Annual Prayer day and also on that day we celebrated Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurupurb On 19th November with hospital staff, patients and congregation. Unfortunately I could not take photographs because we were doing Kirtan and Katha. After prayers, we served samosas and spring rolls for Langer. Prayers not held in 2015 due to resources at: Hywel Dda University Health Board, Glangwili General Hospital, Carmarthen, SA31 2AF requested by Reverend Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain RD&E NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, EX2 5DW requested by Reverend Simon Harrison South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust requested by Reverend Martin Manley ******* 16