Thank you, Revd. Jim! Lead chaplain retires after 17 years at Great Ormond Street Hospital

After 17 years of leading the Great Ormond Street Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team, last week we said goodbye to Revd. Jim Linthicum who has been a key figure and familiar face to many at our hospital. Jim has retired from his position at GOSH and taken up a part-time appointment of Associate Priest at the Anglican Centre in Rome.

Jim has had a fruitful career in health care chaplaincy at many NHS Trusts in London and South-West England. During his time at GOSH, Jim's role has been incredibly diverse, from overseeing the chaplaincy service to providing comfort to patients, families, and staff. He has worked tirelessly to enhance spiritual care within GOSH.

Whilst reflecting on his time here, Jim says he is proud of how much the provision of services has evolved into one that acknowledges multi-faiths and fosters equality and inclusion.

“I am enormously proud of the work our team has done to strengthen the services for our families and staff. In particular, the expansion of our services that cater to the Muslim and Buddhist community. We now have a Muslim prayer room that can host up to 150 participants and our shabbat room has been labelled ‘one of the nicest shabbat rooms in London!’”.

The strength of patients, families and friends

As he prepared to leave GOSH, Jim acknowledged the resilience of the thousands of people he has worked with during his time here.

“The nature of our roles can be emotionally taxing and difficult however I am often inspired by the strength of our patients, their families and friends who are sometimes faced with unimaginable scenarios yet face them with such grace.”

“At GOSH, we are so lucky to work with dedicated staff who are so giving of their time and energy. Witnessing their hard work makes you feel glad to be human,” said Jim.

Beyond his impact to the chaplaincy service, Jim’s calming nature will be sorely missed as seen through the many farewell parties organised in his honour. “Jim has been a kind and compassionate pastoral support to patients, families, and staff of all faiths and none, always making time to listen. It is hard to imagine GOSH without his warmth and presence. We all wish him well as he moves to Rome!" shares Revd. Dorothy Moore Brookes, Chaplain Deputy Team Leader.

The future of healthcare chaplaincy

Upon reflecting about what the future holds for healthcare chaplaincy, Jim says that “chaplaincy, spiritual and physical care will always be a necessary part of healthcare as they address our shared humanity and striving for hope, meaning making, transcendence and relationship.”

On behalf of all patients, families, and staff, we would like to thank Jim for his long-standing commitment to the chaplaincy service at GOSH and wish him well in his next endeavours. Jim leaves behind a legacy of compassion and support.

Moving forward, Revd. Dorothy will lead the Chaplaincy team who will continue to offer a broad spectrum of spiritual care. The team currently consists of a diverse group of paid chaplains with additional support from volunteers.

Learn more about the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team.