FROM the health service to the high seas, a Barrow chaplain is set to embark on a new voyage in his career.

The Reverend Edward Northey, lead chaplain at Furness General Hospital, is leaving this month, after three years, to join the Royal Navy.

Read more: Barrow hospital chaplain leaves for distant shores

He said: “For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in the Royal Navy. My grandfather was a captain in the service so you could say the navy is in my DNA.

“In my early twenties I considered joining but at that time I had a different calling.”

During his time at FGH, Mr Northey has recruited and trained a team of volunteers to help him support patients and their families. His hard work was recognised this year when the Care Quality Commission rating for End of Life Care at the hospital trust was raised from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.

Mr Northey said: “Navy chaplains must be prepared at a moment’s notice to provide pastoral care and advise on religious, ethical, and moral issues to all service personnel, of all faiths and none, and I think my work as a hospital chaplain in the NHS has really helped me to prepare for this. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of being an NHS chaplain and I love the fact that no two days were alike. I’ll be sad to leave, as I’ve loved the role, Barrow and the people I work with but I’m really excited about this new chapter in my life!”

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