Burrswood News

Mayor Opens New Orangery

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:01:00 +0000

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Mike Rusbridge, visited Burrswood Hospital on Tuesday 30th September, accompanied by the Mayoress Mrs Chris Rusbridge.

During the visit, Councillor Rusbridge opened The Bradbury Orangery, a new conservatory added to the south side of the main building. The couple also met patients, staff and volunteers during his time at Burrswood.

This new room provides a much needed "sitting out" area for patients, guests and visitors as well as providing space for meetings, conferences and events. The room is south facing with stunning views across the estate towards Crowborough. The addition of the conservatory is just one part of a major development project currently underway at Burrswood that will see it grow from 34 to 40 beds by early summer 2009. The funding for the conservatory has been provided by The Bradbury Foundation who are also providing funds for the replacement of lifts and other disabled access facilities. As Mayor Rusbridge cut the ribbon to open the conservatory, he told everyone that he was immensely impressed with the work that was going on at Burrswood and that he felt it was something really special.

The major part of this development is the conversion of Chapel House, the former guest house, into a new "state of the art" hospital wing. Work started last week and it is hoped that patients will be welcomed into the new wing from 1 May 2009. Work will then commence on refurbishing the old St Michael's wing in order to accommodate the new guest house which will have a distinct country house appeal to it. Whilst the guest house is closed during this phase of the work, admissions to the hospital remain unaffected.

Tunbridge Wells Mayor Opens New Facility

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:33:00 +0000

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Mike Rusbridge, will be visiting Burrswood Hospital on Tuesday 30th September.

He will be accompanied by the Mayoress Mrs Chris Rusbridge. During their visit, Councillor Rusbridge will be officially opening The Bradbury Orangery, a new conservatory added to the south side of the main building.

This new room will provide a much needed "sitting out" area for patients, guests and visitors as well as providing space for meetings, conferences and events. The room is south facing with stunning views across the estate towards Crowborough. The addition of the conservatory is just one part of a major development project currently underway at Burrswood that will see it grow from 34 to 40 beds by early summer 2009. The funding for the conservatory has been provided by The Bradbury Trust who has also provided funds for the replacement of lifts and other disabled access facilities.

The major part of this development is the conversion of Chapel House, the former guest house, into a new "state of the art" hospital wing. Work started last week and it is hoped that patients will be welcomed into the new wing from 1 May 2009. Work will then commence on refurbishing the old St Michael's wing in order to accommodate the new guest house which will have a distinct country house appeal to it. Whilst the guest house is closed during this phase of the work, admissions to the hospital remain unaffected.

Burrswood is a non-surgical hospital registered with the Healthcare Commission specializing in post operative and some acute medical care including stroke rehabilitation, end of life and respite care and the treatment of chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome/ME. Its multi-disciplinary whole person approach which combines mainstream medical care with the Christian ministry was first pioneered by its founder Dortothy Kerin when she moved to Burrswood in 1948.

Burrswood is also celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year and will be holding a Thanksgiving Celebration at Rochester Cathedral on Sunday 5th October at 3.15pm - everyone is welcome.

Burrswood Celebrates Diamond Jubilee in Special Service at Rochester Cathedral

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:29:00 +0000

This year, Burrswood Christian Hospital and Place of Healing is celebrating 60 years of healing and ministry at Groombridge.

We are marking the occasion with a special service of Thanksgiving in Rochester Cathedral at 3.15pm on Sunday 5th October. Everyone is welcome to participate in what is a replacement to the normal Evensong Service.

The service will be led by Revd David Flagg, currently Chaplain for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich and former Senior Chaplain at Burrswood. The Right Revd John Perry, former Bishop of Chelmsford and former Burrswood Trustee will be preaching. The service will be followed by a celebration tea.

Burrswood has strong links with Rochester Cathedral, Bishop Michael being Visiting Bishop and his wife Valerie a Patron of their current Hospital Appeal. In a letter marking this occasion, Bishop Michael writes, "Over the years Burrswood has been blessed by faith and will continue to flourish through prayerfully following the spirit of Dorothy Kerin. May God bless the place and the people as they strive to bring the healing touch of Christ to those around them."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Patron, also wrote "I warmly commend Burrswood's ministry, energy and vision and congratulate you on the contribution the organisation has made to the respect and recognition which the healing ministry has secured within our Churches and the wider community."

Dorothy Kerin, founder of the organization, bought the Groombridge estate and Decimus Burton designed house in 1948 following its requisition by the Army during the Second World War. Members of her family will be participating in the service.

Burrswood is very grateful to the Cathedral for their generosity in hosting & sponsoring the Service including the services of the Cathedral Girls' Choir.

Garden Event blessed with good weather

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:22:00 +0000

Hartfield residents John & Diana Whitmore's prayers for good weather for their Open Garden on Friday evening, 15th August, were answered when the sun shone to welcome over 150 guests.

The couple had dodged showers all week to ensure friends and supporters of Burrswood Christian Hospital (Groombridge) would see their extensive gardens, at Perry Hill Farm House, at their very best.

Visitors were serenaded by a wind quintet and enjoyed a glass of wine as they eandered around this wonderful garden which had been originally laid out in Tudor times.

Features now include a formal rose garden and water garden as well as a greenhouse packed with tomatoes, grapes and melons. Pride of place though was definitely the dahlia bed.

John & Diana's hard work was also enjoyed by other visitors over the weekend as it was open as part of the National Garden Scheme. Over �1,000 was raised for the Burrswood Hospital Appeal.

Burrswood is planning a series of fundraising garden events for 2009 and if anyone would like to show off their garden in aid of this unique charity, please contact Karen Warner on 01892 683637 ext 2214 or email events@burrswood.org.uk

Local Couple Show off Green Fingers

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:37:00 +0000

Hartfield residents John & Diana Whitmore have been busy perfecting their garden at Perry Hill Farm House to show off to friends and supporters of Burrswood on Friday 15th August.

The garden opening, between 6.30pm and 8pm, aims to raise money for the charity's "Forward in Care" Appeal which will see the development of extra rooms and other patient-centred facilities at this unique hospital in Groombridge.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the music by the Ashdowners as well as a glass of wine and some refreshments as they wonder around this beautiful garden. It was probably originally laid out in Tudor times, but has now been created to represent a truly English country garden. Features include a formal rose garden and water garden as well as vegetables, soft fruits and an orchard. Pride of place will be taken by a large display of dahlias.

John has long been associated with Burrswood Hospital and often opens his garden for charity. Everyone is welcome to attend and tickets are available in advance for �7.50 from Burrswood on 01892 863637 ext 2247/2257. They will also be available on the day at �10.

Unique Day Out for Bishops' Wives

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday 30th July, a group of 35 Bishops' wives enjoyed a brief escape from the Lambeth Conference, being attended by their husbands in Canterbury, to spend the day at Burrswood.

Burrswood, as a Chrisitian Hospital and Place of Healing, is unique in the landscape of British Healthcare, combining the very highest of standards of mainstream medical and nursing care with Chrisitian ministry. Over 700 patients every year are able to benefit from the expertise of a full integrated care team who specialise in a whole person approach to healing and care.

Burrswood also helps a number of clergy, their wives and families and therefore was delighted to host the group who come from all over the world, many of whom will never have visited the UK before. The guests were able to see the facilities first-hand, meet those working in the hospital and also some of the patients benefiting from this unique and beautiful environment. They also had the opportunity to learn more about the Healing Ministry and enjoyed a specially orchestrated healing service in the newly refurbished Church of Christ the Healer prior to their departure.

New Chairman at Burrswood

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:19:00 +0000

Dr Heather Nunnerley has been appointed as Chair of Trustees at Burrswood, the Christian Hospital and Centre of Healing at Groombridge following the recent retirement of Mr Brian Hester.

Heather's appointment comes during the charity's 60th anniversary year and as they start work on an exciting and ambitious �2.65m expansion programme.

Heather first came to hear of Burrswood when she lived in Tunbridge Wells (1966 - 1981) and was later invited to join the Board in 2006. Heather has a varied medical background having trained in Liverpool and gained experience & qualifications in Paediatrics and Child Care before moving into General Practice in Stafford. However, her medical career soon took on a different direction when she trained in Radiology at Kings College Hospital in London in 1965. Heather remained at that hospital until she retired from the NHS, having been Head of Department for a number of years as well as being heavily involved with the Royal College of Radiologists, the Royal Society of Medicine and the Consultants Committee.

Heather has always had keen interests outside of medicine including involvement with an approved school for girls and a community & learning disabilities trust. She was also vice chairman of the Board at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup until September 2007. Heather now lives in Beckenham and is a church warden at Christ Church.

Although taking over the helm at a very busy time, she is very excited about the prospects of the Forward In Care project which will draw to a close over 10 years of upgrade, redevelopment and expansion which will see Burrswood confirming its unique role as a top quality medical provider in the UK.

Heather says, "The next couple of years will be an enormous challenge for everyone involved, but we have our eyes very firmly fixed on the end goal - to increase, by over one third, the number of patients we are able to welcome regardless of our ability to pay. These patients are subsidised through our "Access to Care" bursary fund and by 2012 we will be giving away over �300,000 year on year in discounted fees."

Chapel House Conversion

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:04:00 +0000

In September 2008, work will commence on our latest development project to convert Chapel House, our guest house, into an extension to our main hospital, providing 11 individual, en-suite patient rooms.

For the many who have enjoyed staying as a guest in this charming country house over the years, there will be a sense of disappointment, as our final guests leave at the end of the summer. Disappointment will however, be replaced by eager anticipation as we then adapt the original hospital wing (St Michael's), situated in the grade II listed Decimus Burton house, into guest accommodation.

Burrswood will always seek to provide a place of peace and rest for those who do not need the intervention of clinical care and we aim to welcome guests once more in summer 2009 - into St Michael's guest house! We very much regret that for the duration of the conversion of Chapel House, we will be unable to provide guest accommodation, but we will regularly update the website with progress on this latest project.

Guests will continue to be welcomed to Burrswood until 18 August. Admissions for the hospital will be unaffected by our development plans - so please contact admissions and reservations on 01892 863818 or email admissions@burrswood.org.uk. If you are new to Burrswood, please view the Chapel House page.

Unique Day Out for Lambeth Bishops' Wives

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:28:00 +0000

On Wednesday 30th July, a group of about 50 Bishops' wives is planning a brief escape from the Lambeth Conference, being attended by their husbands in Canterbury, to spend a day at Burrswood.

Burrswood, as a Chrisitian Hospital and Place of Healing, is unique in the landscape of British Healthcare, combining the very highest of standards of mainstream medical and nursing care with Chrisitian ministry. Over 700 patients every year are able to benefit from the expertise of a full integrated care team who specialise in a whole person approach to healing and care.

Burrswood also helps a number of clergy, their wives and families and therefore is delighted to host the group who come from all over the world, many of whom will never have visited the UK before. They will be able to see the facilities first-hand, meet those working in the hospital and also some of the patients benefiting from this unique and beautiful environment. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Healing Ministry through workshops led by Burrswood's Chaplaincy team in the newly refurbished Church of Christ the Healer.

There will be a short press call at 11.30am, when there will be an opportunity for photographs and to meet the wives.

Please let us know if you wish to attend by contacting Alice Bates on: 01892 863637 ext.2212 or email her on alice.bates@burrswood.org.uk

New Chaplain Licensed by Bishop

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:45:00 +0000

On Saturday 12th July, The Bishop of Tonbridge, the Rt Revd Brian Castle, conducted the licensing of Revd Christine Garrard as the Senior Chaplain at Burrswood.

It took place during a special service in The Church of Christ the Healer.The service was part of the charity's annual Fellowship Day when 400 plus of its supporters, some from as far away as the Cayman Islands, gathered to celebrate their work and ministry. 2008 is particularly special as the charity is also marking its Diamond Jubilee sixty years after its founder, Dorothy Kerin, established it as a Christian Healing Centre in 1948.

Christine arrived at Burrswood on 1 May from East Anglia having previously served as Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Rector of Holton St Mary, Higham, Raydon and Stratford St Mary! She has been in full time parish ministry for 17 years and, prior to ordination, was a Senior Speech Therapist with the Essex Health Authority. She also has a BA in Psychology and has extensive experience in the Christian healing ministry, so feels very much that she was called to Burrswood. She says, "I have come to Burrswood with a history of twenty years as a health service professional followed by twenty years in Christian ministry, and now find myself in a place that seeks to care for people as whole beings with excellent professional health care and Christian love.

"I still marvel at how it is possible for so many people of different backgrounds and disciplines to come together with just one purpose, to bring God's love and healing to his hurting people, all within the beauty of our surroundings."

Fellowship Day is also the charity's opportunity to say thank you to its many supporters and share their plans for the future. Burrswood recently launched a �2.65 million appeal for the redevelopment of the hospital and other facilities. The Church of Christ the Healer has also undergone refurbishment as part of that project and a day room/conservatory added on the south side of the terrace. Work will commence later this year to convert the existing guest house, Chapel House, into new hospital rooms thus increasing the number of beds from 33 to 41.

Local Jazz group, The Rhythm Kings, entertained guests on the Terrace and the key speaker for the day was His Honour Richard Walker who is also Patron of the Appeal. The day was rounded off with a concert in the church by the KM Medway Band who "raised the roof" as well as money towards the Appeal.

Bishop Licenses New Chaplain

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:24:00 +0000

On Saturday 12th July at 11am, The Bishop of Tonbridge, the Rt Revd Brian Castle, will be licensing the Revd Christine Garrard as the Senior Chaplain at Burrswood.

This will take place during a special service in The Church of Christ the Healer. The service is part of the charity's annual Fellowship Day when many of its supporters, some from as far away as the Cayman Islands, gather to celebrate their work and ministry. 2008 is particularly special as the charity is also marking its Diamond Jubilee sixty years after its founder, Dorothy Kerin, established it as a Christian Healing Centre in 1948.

Christine arrived at Burrswood on 1 May from East Anglia having previously served as Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Rector of Holton St Mary, Higham, Raydon and Stratford St Mary! She has been in full time parish ministry for 17 years and, prior to ordination, was a Senior Speech Therapist with the Essex Health Authority. She also has a BA in Psychology and has extensive experience in the Christian healing ministry, so feels very much that she was called to Burrswood.

Fellowship Day is also the charity's opportunity to say thank you to its many supporters and share their plans for the future. Burrswood has recently launched a �2.65 million appeal for the redevelopment of the hospital and other facilities. The Church of Christ the Healer has also undergone refurbishment as part of that project and a day room/conservatory added on the south side of the terrace. Work will commence later this year to convert the existing guest house, Chapel House, into new hospital rooms thus increasing the number of beds from 33 to 41.

Local Jazz group, The Rhythm Kings, will be entertaining on the Terrace and our guest speaker for the day will be His Honour Richard Walker who is also Patron of the Appeal. The day will be rounded off with a short concert in the church in the early evening given by the KM Medway Band which will be raising money towards the Appeal.

The 'Rat Pack of Opera' Entertain

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:16:00 +0000

The beautiful gardens at Pashley Manor, Ticehurst will play host on Friday 6th June to Tenors UnLimited as they entertain supporters of Burrswood Christian Hospital & Centre of Healing at a black tie fundraising Gala evening.

The trio of tenors, Scott, Jem & Paul, have an international reputation for their unique blend of classical opera and light entertainment and have wowed audiences across the world. They will be hoping for a classic summer evening as supporters of the charity gather to help raise funds for the "Forward in Care" Appeal, aimed at increasing their capacity and enabling them to subsidise more patient nights through their "Access to Care" bursary fund.

For one Tenor, Jem, it sees a return to his roots, having been brought up and schooled in the Tunbridge Wells area. He originally formed the group with Scott simply because they enjoyed singing and entertaining people and have taken the operatic world by storm with their unique style which is guaranteed to set the seal on any event.

Burrswood's "Forward in Care" project will see the completion of a 10 year programme of redevelopment & expansion that will see it increasing the number of free and discounted beds by over a third and, by 2012, the charity will be investing over �300,000 a year in these bursary places.

Burrswood's Events Fundraiser Karen Warner says, "We are delighted to be working with Tenors UnLimited in the beautiful surrounds of Pashley Manor and are very grateful to Mr & Mrs Sellick for allowing us to stage the event at their home with its stunning views around the gardens and lake. It promises to be a truly memorable evening as well as raising much needed funds for our Appeal."

Award Winning Czech Quartet in Concert

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:07:00 +0000

The award winning Zemlinsky Quartet from Prague will be raising money for Burrswood through a concert in St Mary's Church Rye on Saturday 24th May 2008.

These four young musicians have established a world-wide reputation over the past few years and have recently returned from a tour in Japan. They will be playing music by Schubert, Haydn and Janacek.

The concert is the brainchild of local resident Lady Davson. She decided that she wanted to celebrate her 70th birthday in style, but also wanted to ensure that others benefited from the celebration. Burrswood has long been held close to Kate's heart and the hospital recently launched an appeal to raise funds for the development of its work during this, its diamond jubilee, year. Lady Davson says, "I hope we will fill the church with people who will come along to celebrate with me, but, most importantly, will support the work of this truly unique charity which has been of great help to me and my family."

Director of the Burrswood Hospital Appeal, Carol Wynn says, "Lady Davson is celebrating her birthday in a remarkably generous way and we are priviledged to be working with her on this. It promises to be a truly magnificent evening and will enable us to bring more people to experience the unique whole person healing experience that is Burrswood. The key objective of this Appeal and the project, is to help more people of limited financial means to access the care on offer ? many of whom would probably otherwise ?fall off the radar? in terms of specialist care. What a way to celebrate a birthday!"

All Change at the Top

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:05:00 +0000

A special dinner was held at Burrswood, the Christian Hospital and Centre of Healing in Groombridge, on 17th April to mark the retirement after 17 years of dedicated service of its Chairman of Trustees, Mr Brian Hester.

Brian was joined at the dinner by members of his family as well as current and former staff and volunteers who have served with him during this time and tributes were paid to him by CEO Dr Gareth Tuckwell. Dr Gareth said of Brian, "Brian's wise judgment, calmness at all times and passion for what we are about has greatly contributed to the success of this unique place".

Brian lives with his wife Mary in Southborough and he is a former partner in Birchwood Garage and also a former Director of Wards Mobility Services Ltd. They are both members of St John's Church in Tunbridge Wells where Brian was Church Warden and Youth Leader. He became a Trustee at Burrswood seventeen years ago and had been Chairman for the past 4 years, taking on the additional role of Executive Chairman during their recent time without a CEO. The unique philosophy of combining medicine with the Christian ministry as a whole person approach to healing has always interested Brian so it was a natural step for him to become involved.

During his time as chairman he feels he enabled Burrswood to stay true to its mission as well as necessarily adopting a sound business approach to running the charity. As he hands over the reigns to Dr Heather Nunnerley he says, "I hope to watch Burrswood go from strength to strength in the coming years with increasing numbers of needy people being able to access its unique care."

Zemlinsky Quartet

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:56:00 +0000

On Saturday 24th May at 5.30pm, the award winning Zemlinsky Quartet from Prague will be performing at St Mary's Church, Rye in aid of Burrswood, the Christian Hospital and Centre for Healing at Groombridge.

The quartet is currently touring Europe having won several top prizes over the last few years, competing at The Banff and The London International String Quartet competitions. They will be playing a selection of renowned pieces including, Haydn's - Quartet in D Major, Schubert's - Quartet in D Minor "Death and the Maiden" and Janecck's Quartet No 2 "Intimate Letters".

The concert is being hosted by Rye residen , Lady Davson, to celebrate her 70th birthday. She says "I wanted to celebrate in style, but didn't want to do it just for me, so what better than for one of my favourite charities. I have been long associated with Burrswood and hope my friends and many others will support me in raising much needed funds for this worthy cause".

This year sees Burrswood celebrate 60 years of Ministry & Healing in Groombridge. It recently launched a major appeal for the redevelopment of facilities. One of the key outcomes of the Appeal will be that more people of limited financial means will be able to access care at the hospital.

Local Doctor breaks pain barrier to raise over �12,000 for two locally based charities

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:44:00 +0000

Dr Paul Worthley, Senior Physician at Burrswood Christian Hospital and Place of Healing in Groombridge, Kent completed the Flora London Marathon on 13th April in an extremely creditable 4hrs and 20 mins.

Fifty five year old Paul was running his first marathon on behalf of Burrswood and People International, a Christian missionary charity based in Tunbridge Wells and he has raised in excess of £12,000 already with the money still pouring in.

Having never run any distance before, Paul started his training back in September 2007 and all was proceeding well until a few weeks ago when he sustained a foot injury and then latterly fell ill with a virus during the past 2 weeks and so was uncertain of being able to participate until the last minute. His motivation has been the knowledge that he is helping other people to access the unique care offered through Burrswood and also enabling God's ministry to be introduced to people in non Christian countries through the work of People International. Afterwards Paul said, "It was a truly wonderful experience and I thank God for hearing our prayers for my safe completion of the run and for the wonderful support shown to both me and my charities. So many deserving people will benefit from the occasion."

Beechwood Sacred Heart School

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:23:00 +0000

On Wednesday 14th February 2008, a group representing the senior girls at Beechwood Sacred Heart School in Tunbridge Wells, visited Burrswood, Groombridge to proudly present a cheque to Dr Gareth Tuckwell, Chief Executive, for £3004.30, in aid of Burrswood's Access to Care Fund.

The girls ranging from 11-18 years were welcomed at Burrswood with a guided tour of the facilities and stayed for afternoon tea and cakes, as a thank you from Burrswood for their efforts. This fantastic amount was a result of various fundraising activities throughout the autumn period, including a sponsored walk, a non uniform day, various sales, and collections from their Carol Service and "A Christmas Carol" production.

Burrswood, a 35 bed Christian hospital in Groombridge, runs its Access to Care scheme as a bursary for patients whose financial situation would not otherwise enable them to receive the high level of care and expertise that Burrswood is proud to offer. Carol Wynn, Head of Fundraising at Burrswood, expressed "We are so very grateful for the hard work and support Beechwood has shown us with their fundraising efforts; what a fantastic example the girls are to their school".

Local Company's Gift Encourages the Wildlife at Burrswood

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:49:00 +0000

Pam Seldon, Senior Funeral Director at the Tunbridge Wells based TW Boorman Funeral Services, recently presented a beautiful marble bird bath to Burrswood, the Christian Hospital and Healing Centre based at Groombridge.

Pam has long been an admirer of the work done at Burrswood and pays frequent visits to the centre to enjoy the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. She wanted to do something to show her appreciation and persuaded her employers to commission the bird bath through their own Monumental Masons.

Pam said "I am always amazed by the beauty that abounds here at Burrswood whatever the season and know that this adds to the healing quality of the place. I hope that the patients and visitors will be able to watch the many birds that visit the gardens enjoying a cooling dip or drink from the bath.".

The bath has been placed along the path at the rear of the Church which is in full view of the many visitors to Bocky's Tea Room, still enjoying the splendid views during this unseasonably good weather.

Burrswood welcomes its new Chief Executive

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:39:00 +0000

On 24th September, Burrswood, the Christian hospital and Healing centre at Groombridge, welcomed the arrival of Dr Gareth Tuckwell as its new Chief Executive.

Gareth had previously been Director at the hospital between 1986 and 1999. This ends a period of some 15 months without a Chief Executive during which time Michelle Templeman, Deputy CEO, has ably held the reigns and steered the organisation forward pending his arrival. Gareth rejoins the organization at an exciting time following the public launch of the "Phase V -Forward in Care" Appeal in July. The "Forward in Care" programme - a progressive development project aimed at bringing the organisation's facilities and services up to the highest modern standards as befits this flagship hospital - was started under Gareth's previous leadership in 1996.

Commenting on his return, Gareth says, "I do not see this as 'going back' to a post I held before. It is going forward to a new and challenging role that will bring fresh demands and opportunities along the way. I am thrilled to be appointed to this position, particularly at a time when the unique interdisciplinary care modelled at Burrswood Christian Hospital has so much to offer within today's health care system."

"Demand for beds here has increased by 40% over the last 4 years, necessitating an ambitious programme of expansion. I think this reflects the fact that people now recognise more that illness is so often unhelpfully seen in terms of specialties, sub-specialties and procedures, rather than being centred around individuals and the totality of their need, which often involves spiritual and emotional pain."

Gareth was previously Clinical Director of Hospice in the Weald, Kent, having been a Regional Director of Macmillan from 2000 to 2003. He was appointed to the Board of Macmillan Cancer Support in 2003. Qualifying in Medicine in 1971, he also obtained a Diploma in Palliative Medicine from the University of Wales in 1992. Continuing his strong links with palliative care and the Hospice movement, Gareth is also a Vice-President of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Farnham and Chair of Hospice23, a Christian charity that provides support and education to those working in palliative care. He pursues his Christian activities as an Elder of Tunbridge Wells Christian Fellowship and was a member of the working group set up by The House of Bishops which published a major report on the Christian Healing ministry 'A time to heal' in 2000. He is married with four children and now lives together with his wife Mary on the estate at Burrswood.

Blackout at Burrswood

noreply@blogger.com (JPC-DESIGN) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:47:00 +0000

Just before 1pm on Wednesday 22nd August, a large beech tree in Burrs Wood fell down in the winds bringing with it the power lines that supply Burrswood Hospital. The 35 bed hospital at Groombridge was plunged into conditions reminiscent of the 19th century until power was restored at 8.30pm.

The wooded area on the estate has become very wet with all the recent rain and it didn't take much of a wind to send the tree crashing. Staff had to cope without any electrical appliances, phones or even the bleep system, with just the emergency lighting providing a little light. However, the whole team pulled together, some volunteering to work long after their normal shift had finished. Once darkness fell, the nurses resembled Florence Nightingale as they used lanterns to light their rounds and most of the building was lit up with candles.

"At no time was anyone at risk" reassured Michelle Templeman, Acting Chief Executive, "and everyone pulled together. There was a real war-time spirit."

Workmen from the local energy company worked hard to get the power restored, even if only on a temporary basis until the poles carrying the cables can be replaced.

One small benefit of the inconvenience for the afternoon staff was that they were able to leave all the washing up for the team on duty the following morning!