National Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day 05-18 November 2012 Update Report 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 week 05-18 November 2012 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. The Prayers/Ardaas were successfully conducted at: Cardiff, University Hospital of Wales by Paramjit Singh and colleagues of Sri Dasmesh Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cardiff. Paramjit Singh said: The prayer has been done and Rev Peter Davies and colleagues were present and I am sending you some photographs of Sikh Prayer Day in University Hospital of Wales Cardiff. Rev Peter Davies said: We are grateful for the prayer Paramjit and his friends conducted here for the welfare of the patients. The service was followed by tea and a chat and we thoroughly enjoyed having them here. We look forward to future visits. The Photos below are from University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff:
Essex, Basildon University Hospital by Giani Rachhpal Singh and Gurdev Singh of Sikh Temple Grays Gurdwara, Thurrock, Essex. Revd. Linda Peall said: Thank you. The prayers were really good. It was very nice to meet the Priest from the Temple. I really enjoyed the time of prayer, and time to talk afterwards about faith. It is hoped that folk from the Temple will come again for some more Sikh prayer events, and I look forward to hearing from the about these. Essex, Ilford King George Hospital and Romford Queen Elizabeth Hospital by the Sikh Chaplains, Arvinder Singh Khalsa and Parminder Kaur Kondral: Those present were colleagues from the Sikh Women s Alliance and committee members of Barking, Goodmayes, Neville Road, and Leyton Gurdwaras, plus Sangat from Goodmayes & Barking Gurdwara. Arvinder Singh wrote: Thank you very much for all your support and attending the Prayer Day sessions at all three Hospitals. Parminder Benji once again thanks for the food and drinks. All three sessions were at least one hour long as we finished around 2:00pm at Queen's Romford. It was great to meet and interact with some of the lead members of SWA contributors, Local Gurdwara managements and other fellow Sikhs. After prayer Shabad- Gurbani reflection session was particularly interesting when all most everyone spoke of deep thoughts of their spiritual experiences. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day... Parminder Kaur wrote: At King George, it was nice that so many men from each Gurdwara Committee present. There were two suggestions
One, that we should do this more often, at our local hospitals, say quarterly. All well said, but arranging this is quite consuming. However, we can try and make a sub-group. I can approach the women and Arvinder Singh encourage the men, to make a sub-group and organise another one in the New Year - say January. Let me know your thoughts. Two, that we should have invited the patients. The poster I had asked the reception to put visibly had disappeared on the day at King George! So not sure whether the public/staff got to see it. The internal newsletter did not get the poster in time for the staff to be aware of it. With regards to the patients, it could be they were not well enough or did not have enough staff to bring them down or it collided with their breakfast/mid-morning tea. I don't know. Very difficult to gauge what the best time would be for patients to come to the Prayer Room or staff to commit them to accompany the patients. At least the vibrations of Guru's Shabad was said in the Prayer Room collectively by the Sangat and travelled through to the wards. Essex, Goodmayes Mental Health by Parminder Kaur Kondral wrote: Some thoughts which I want to reflect on: I had ensured that our group only included the Lead Chaplain Mirabai Swinger and minimal Sangat because of the nature of the surroundings. Patients here were informed by the Mirabai Swingler. She commented that it may have been because it was too early for the patients to be participating but that they had shown interest to travel to King George to join us with the mid-morning prayers. A point was raised by Mirabai that we should consider is to bring paper headscarves in place of cloth ones as given in prisons in case an acute patient wanted to participate. This is just for safety's sake. At Queens, Parminder wrote: there were more women who took greater initiative to be inclusive in the prayers.
Dartford Kent - Darent Valley Hospital by Mr. RajVinder Singh Gill s wife of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend. Rev Martin Kelly said: It was great. Not many people came - but God was there! Croydon University Hospital by Surinder Kaur Kalsi, Nirmal Singh Kalsi, Mrs Nirmal Kaur Kalsi, Daljit Singh Chada Rev Hilary Fife said: Yes the day went very well indeed. We were able to launch our new Sikh Chaplaincy team at Croydon University Hospital on the same day a very exciting development for us. I attach a couple of photographs of that event. London SE5, Kings College Hospital by Baljinder Kaur of Kings College Hospital (now confirmed an honorary Sikh Chaplain), Daljit Singh Chada and Nirmal Kaur Kalsi. Nimmi said: We had very successful prayer day at Kings College hospital well done to Baljinder Kaur for organising the prayer day at such short notice. We did not have many attendees but it was very peaceful & effective Thanks to Diljit Singh for being there. Rev Ben Rhodes said: I wanted to thank the Sikh Chaplaincy group for their time and efforts in coming to lead prayers at King s. We were able to advertise the prayers and I think it marks an important step forward with the appointment of Bally as honorary Sikh chaplain. Please do continue to keep us informed with events and we look forward to working with you in the future.
London NW1, University College London Hospital by students from the Uni. Rev Peter Harries said: Thank you for your message. Yes we had a large group of Sikhs praying for us and all our patients that evening. I was delighted. I am not aware of any patients attending and I was not aware of any Sikh in-patients that day. I would have preferred a couple of contact emails with the student organisers a little further in advance so as we could have firmed up publicity for the event sooner. I look forward to having a group for Diwali next year, and at any other time our honorary Sikh chaplain wishes to organise. London NW3, Royal Free Hospital by Kuljinder Singh London SE18, Queen Elizabeth Hospital by Sharan Kaur Sandhu the Sikh Chaplain and Giani Ji and colleagues from the Greenwich Sikh Association - Woolwich Sikh Temple, London SE18 London SW10, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital by Rajinder Singh Bhasin and Rev Sharon Connell was present. London SW3, Royal Marsden Hospital by Rajinder Singh Bhasin and Rev Alistair McCulloch was present. London SW3, Royal Brompton Hospital by Angad Kaur of Brent Sikh Centre, Kingsbury, London NW9. Angad Kaur said: I started by saying something about Benti Chaupai and invited everyone to sit with their eyes closed, breathe consciously and just feel the sounds of the words in connection to calling on God for protection. Then I gave a description of the Ardaas, a bit about its history, its construction, how it can be used for any occasion etc. Middlesex, Northwick Park Hospital by Angad Kaur of Brent Sikh Centre, Kingsbury, London NW9. Angad Kaur said: It was a lovely occasion. We sat in the chapel rather than the room upstairs. I started by saying something about Benti Chaupai and invited everyone to sit with their eyes closed, breathe consciously and just feel the sounds of the words in connection to calling on God for protection. Then I gave a description of the Ardaas, a bit about its history, its construction, how it can be used for any occasion etc. Rev David Byrne said: Thank you for this, we appreciated the prayer time and thought it went well. It was a very nice idea. Middx, Harefield Hospital by Mrs Vanita Kaur Kang. Revd Terence Handley MacMath said: Thank you both your efforts to include Harefield in this year s Sikh hospital chaplaincy week. I was very grateful to you and particularly to Vanita for finding the way here after work and offering prayers for protection. If you would like to come again, or know of anyone suitable who would like to visit more regularly, please know that this would be very welcome. Middlesex, St Bernard's Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust by Bhai Shamsher Singh and colleague from Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southall. Rev Anne Douglas said: The prayer went very well and was well attended by both staff and patients. We had time to share food and conversation afterwards and it was a great opportunity to forge links with our Sikh community. Middlesex, Ealing Hospital by Atma Singh & Harjeet Kaur Sohal and attended by Rev Maggie Davidge-Smith. Middlesex, West Middlesex University Trust Hospital by Bhai Karnail Singh, the Sikh chaplain and volunteers of Hounslow Gurdwara, Sri Guru Singh Sabha. Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital by Davinder Singh Gill, the volunteer Sikh Chaplain and colleagues. Watford Peace Hospice by Rajinder Singh Bhatti Rev Lynn Bassett said: Rajinder came and said prayers on Friday 9th November. It was lovely to spend time with him and we are very grateful for the prayers. Bedford Hospital by Tirath Singh Bhavra and Dashvider Sehmbi Tirath Singh Bhavra said: The Guru's Jis' Sikh Sangat of Bedford, had managed to conduct the Sikh Prayers' for all the patients wellbeing for Bedford Hospital.This took place on the 15th November 2012, in the Educational Lecture room, supported by Nicola hospital chaplain and the management team. We recited the Five times the
Chaupai Sahib reading, and twice the Dukh Banjani readings and listen to Gurbani Shabad, and finished with the Ardaas Prayer. Tea & biscuits were served after the service. Please find attached some of the pictures I had managed to take.
Manchester Wythenshawe Hospital by Parkash Singh and Giani Ji of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara Mission Centre, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 7BQ Parkash Singh said: We attended this morning at Wythenshaw Hospital Manchester. Did Chaupai Sahib and Ardaas no one at all attended except Katherine. Rev Katherine Leuseur said: It was really good to be able to welcome Mr Singh and Granthi Ji to the Chapel this morning and we greatly appreciated the time they took to come and pray and to explain the prayers. Manchester Royal Infirmary by Ravinder Singh Roud and Kamaljit Kaur and Granthi Ji of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Moss Side, Manchester M14 4GP. Ravinder Singh said: The prayer went really well and then they had a chat with the Reverend Peter Gomm. Rev. Peter Gomm said: I was very pleased that the prayer took place this time. Leicester General Hospital by Bhai Sahib Sulakhan Singh Dard and colleagues. Bhai Sahib Sulakhan Singh said: Please add this photo graph to Sikh chaplaincy day smagam to promote the good health of all the patients and staff in UHL hospitals in Leicester. The event was arranged by me being a volunteer Sikh chaplain to celebrate the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.It celebrated by the Sikh Chaplaincy volunteer Sikh chaplains in every city hospitals. It took place in Leicester General Hospital on 14th Nov 2012 and the day was attended by Sikhs from Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Guru Amar Das Gurdwara, Ramgharia Gurdwara and other Sikhs & volunteer chaplaincy staff were present. Rev Mark Burleigh said: Many thanks. It went very well. The photo below is from Leicester General Hospital: Bristol, Frenchay Hospital by Gurdial Singh of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, St George, Bristol and said it went very well. Middlesbrough, James Cook University Hospital by Pagwan Singh and Giani Ji of Sikh Temple, Middlesbrough and said it went very well. Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital by Ujjal Singh Kular and colleagues and said: It went very well. Preston, Royal Preston Hospital by Nirmal Singh and he said it went very well. Sheffield, Northern General Hospital by Surinder S Dhillon and said: A prayer for all the patients and for some chaplaincy staff (on the request of Rev. Martin Kerry) was done. Shropshire, The Redwood Centre by Parkash Singh Dhami and Giani Ji of Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Hadley, Telford, Shropshire and said it went really well.
Stafford, St George Hospital, St. Chads House by Narinder Singh Mahil and Giani Ji of Nanaksar Gurdwara, Stafford, Staffordshire and said it went really well. Rev Keith Shaw said: The prayers went really well and it was a good opportunity to meet with the local Sikh community and hopefully we can build on this for future events both in Shropshire and in Stafford as that was also a very good occasion. Thank you for organising this time and I look forward to working together in the future. Birmingham, Sandwell General Hospital by Joga Singh, Sukhvinder Kaur and in attendance were Rev Keith Duckett, Rakesh Bhatt, Parkash Kaur Sohal, staff, doctors and nurses and there were nearly 100 people in attendance altogether. After doing the prayer, then there were Diwali celebrations. Birmingham, City Hospital by Joga Singh, Rakesh Bhatt, Rev Ann Stevenson and staff. Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital by Satinder Kaur Taunque and present were Rev Nick Ball, Rev Roy Buffey, Rev Alan Boyd and staff members. Birmingham, Women s Hospital by Parkash Kaur Sohal, Surinder Saund and her Mum and in attendance were Rev Denise Jones and Joyce. Sweets were distributed to all present after the prayers. Birmingham, Children s Hospital by Parkash Kaur Sohal, Surinder Saund and her Mum and in attendance were Rev Nick Ball, Catherine and Chaplain Mrs. Zamir Hussain. Sweets were distributed to all present after the prayers. Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital by Parkash Kaur Sohal, Man Kaur and in attendance were Rakesh Bhatt and Rev Susan Shewring. Sweets were distributed to all present after the prayers. Birmingham, St Mary s Hospital by Parkash Kaur Sohal Surinder Saund and in attendance were Diana Morgan and staff. Sweets were distributed to all present after the prayers. Walsall, Manor Hospital by Parkash Kaur Sohal, Giani Ajit Singh and in attendance were Mohan Mistry, Amrik Singh, Harjit Singh Dhillon, Cath Smith, Jagdev Singh, Narinder Singh Khalsa. Sweets were distributed to all present after the prayers. Wolverhampton, New Cross Hospital by Shyam Singh, Sikh Chaplain from GKN Ramgharia Board Sikh Temple, Wolverhampton. Glasgow, Stobhill Hospital by Ravinder Kaur Nijjar. ********** Forward Planning for 2013 - Encouragement for Prayer/Ardaas to be included from the following areas with the Grace of Waheguru: Bart s Health Trust; St Bart s; Royal London; Whipps Cross; Newham; Mile End; London Chest Guys & St Thomas, London Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol South Bristol Community Hospital Southmead Hospital Bristol Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust South Petherton Community Hospital, South Petherton Lincoln County Hospital Willen Hospice, Milton Keynes Darlington, West Park Hospital Sunderland, Sunderland Royal Hospital Kent and Canterbury Hospital University Hospital of North Staffordshire Watford General Hospital