Chaplain to be a leading light in helping care staff and patients as he takes up new role

The Reverend Canon Remi Omole, has been appointed into the role at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

Remi, who has been a Chaplain at the trust since 2014, was appointed following the departure of Reverend Peter Webb, who retired after 34 years’ service earlier this year.

He will lead and develop the trust’s spiritual and religious support for staff, patients and their relatives as he oversees its chaplaincy services, which are available around the clock to people of all cultural and religious beliefs.

Remi has said the role can be physically and emotionally draining and has found it a different task to his previous roles.

He said: “It’s much more intense and you never really know what to expect. It’s full of the unknown.

"It’s full of the unknown.

“However, I really enjoy working with our staff, patients and their families and accompanying them through both good and sad times.

"I enjoy the daily encounters and being able to offer something in the areas of teaching and staff support."

Remi, whose mother was a nurse and great-grandmother worked as a midwife, was born in London and brought up in Nigeria, where he taught English and Religious Education before relocating the UK in 1992.

After completing a PGCE at Durham University in 1995 he held a number of teaching roles and positions, including a pre-court officer for a youth programme in County Durham, as well as a psychotherapeutic counsellor.

Ordained as a Priest in 2007 in Durham Diocese, he is the Bishop’s Enabler for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and continues to serve the diocese.

He was recently made a Non-Residentiary Canon of Durham Cathedral and is also part of networks including one for BAME people, helping to make the working environment better for all.

Melanie Johnson, the trust’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “Our Chaplains play an important role and are a lifeline for many who find themselves facing illness, sadness and loss.

"They offer support, advice and spiritual guidance to our patients their loved ones and our staff.

“Their support, particularly throughout Covid-19 has been critical.”

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