7th January 2024
Congratulations to Rev Derek Johnston who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to Chaplaincy and Well-Being during Covid-19.
Derek is our Lead Chaplain, working with almost 40 Chaplains across the Trust and he is keen that this honour reflects the work of his colleagues in the health service.
Derek was alerted to the news via a letter he received at home. He remembers feeling very shocked when he first read it,
“I was standing up when I opened it and I actually had to sit on the stairs, my jaw dropped and I thought, ‘is this real?’ I had to take a couple of reads at it to make sure it was really for me.”
Being a member of the Chaplaincy team is a very rewarding and fulfilling role, it can also be difficult as Chaplains are visiting with people when they are facing various challenges and vulnerable. Whilst it is a personal honour for Derek, he’s also keen that it pays tribute to the team around him.
“I see it as an acknowledgement of the role and value of healthcare Chaplaincy. This recognition isn’t just for me but for the wider Chaplaincy team. I am privileged to lead the team, but it wouldn’t function with just me. It needs everyone doing their part and they all play their part. So, I want to say thank you to my wider team and to all my Health and Social Care colleagues.”
Thank you Derek for all you do and congratulations on your well deserved honour.