New head of spiritual care Paul Graham says it was a true leap of faith when he left the IT crowd to become a hospital chaplain.

Paul, who recently joined NHS Lanarkshire, was previously at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank – although he worked in computing until just seven years ago.

So how did Paul make the jump?

“In many ways it was a leap of faith,” said Paul. “While I graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity, the first job I secured was in computing. Life took over and earning an income to support my family became the priority.”

However, while on a business trip to India, Paul’s visit to a temple being used as a makeshift hospice became a turning point in his life.

It inspired him to do some volunteer chaplaincy work and undergo counsellor training. Paul got his first chaplaincy job at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow – and he’s never looked back.

“The care we provide to people who are dying is tremendously important and I feel privileged to be doing this job.

“I want us to do more to support staff dealing with patient deaths every week. Their spiritual and emotional wellbeing is pivotal to their role and we need to support them.

“I would encourage any member of staff who feels they may need help or support to please get in touch.”

If you would like to speak to a member of the Spiritual Care Team, email spiritualcare@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.