A poignant multi-faith blessing was held at the UK’s newest healthcare facility The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital ahead of the official opening on 6 October.
The new 736-bed state-of-the-art building in Smethwick will treat patients under the care of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
Spiritual leaders representing the Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim faiths as well as a non-religious humanist conducted the ceremony at a special pre-opening event for MPs, councillors and partner organisations from across the area.
Leading the service, the Rev. Eddie Briones said: “We thank you for entrusting this new hospital into our care. We also take this time pray for the NHS, one of the greatest blessings in this country, we pray for sustainability and stability in the years ahead of us.
“We pray that every corner and space be a symbol of fortitude, healing, protection and blessing to all. We ask that we may be able to exercise our values of ambition, respect and compassion as we build cultures anew.
“May this be a place of peace and healing to those who are ill and a place of hope and comfort for those who struggle in many forms. The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is indeed more than a hospital and may the human spirit of sharing and caring shine in this place.”
His prayers were followed by blessings from Hindu chaplain Rakesh Bhatt who quoted Mahatma Gandhi: “A patient is the most important in our hospital. They are not an interruption to our work. They are the purpose of it.”
Sikh priest Joga Singh added: “In the Sikh tradition, we are taught that Seva or selfless service of humanity is the highest form of service. This hospital stands as a living embodiment of that principle.”
He was followed by Muslim Imam Akm Kamruzzaman who told the audience: “In Arabic, shifa means healing, both physical and spiritual, and it is a gift that only Allah bestows. It represents not just the cure for illness, but also the restoration of balance and well-being in our hearts, bodies, and souls. It is with this understanding that we open this hospital. A place dedicated to the pursuit of shifa, guided by Allah’s will and compassion.”
The blessing concluded with Humanist chaplain Pete Bispham. He said: “Humanists believe in the good within people and that all people are equal. Humanists have respect for all religions. The chaplaincy in this hospital will play a vital role in supporting patients of all faiths and belief systems by giving them spiritual pastoral and religious care according to their needs.”
Sir David Nicholson, Chairman for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “Our multi-faith blessing is an important part of the process to open the hospital as it connects our communities to the building that will shape their lives for years to come.
“From bringing new life into the world, to caring for those affected by unexpected illness and accidents, faith is the cornerstone that supports many people throughout, and to know their hospital has been blessed in preparation to care for them is a significant reassurance.”
Sandwell Hospital accident and emergency department will close on 6 October and all patients normally using the service will use The Midland Met. Meanwhile, City Hospital’s emergency department will close on 10 November and patients will be redirected to The Midland Met from that date.
For more information about the changes and the new hospital go to: https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/our-new-hospital/.