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The staff at a Norwich NHS hospice have been shaken by a series of unsettling ghostly sightings, including a recurring apparition of a young girl in a red dress. The unsettling experiences, which have reportedly caused distress among the workers, led the hospice chaplain to reach out to the Church of England for assistance. This unusual request highlights the intersection of healthcare and spiritual care, particularly in settings steeped in historical significance.
Unsettling Sightings
According to reports, staff members at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, located near Colman Hospital, have experienced multiple encounters with what they believe to be the spirit of a child. These occurrences have been particularly attributed to the hospice’s location on the former grounds of the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital, which served young patients until its closure in 1975. Sources reveal that some employees have repeatedly described seeing a “small child in a red dress,” a sight that has left many feeling disturbed.
In 2023, the hospice chaplain took the unusual step of emailing the Diocese of Norwich to report these “paranormal incidents.” The email described the experiences as “really upsetting” for staff and requested guidance from the church’s deliverance team—often informally known as exorcists. These communications, disclosed following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, indicate a growing concern among the hospice team regarding the impact of these ghostly encounters on their mental well-being.
Seeking Divine Intervention
In the wake of these unsettling experiences, the chaplain expressed a need for support from the deliverance ministry team. In one of the emails, he mentioned being in “conversation with a member of the deliverance team” to assist in providing care and ministry amid the ongoing reports. The chaplain was also seeking to mark the decommissioning of the hospice chapel, indicating plans for a concluding ceremony and a final holy communion.
Furthermore, he requested holy oil from Norwich Cathedral for the upcoming service, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the care provided at the hospice. The Church of England describes its deliverance ministry as a means to rid a person or place of malevolent spirits, aiming for healing and peace for those in distress.
No Formal Exorcism Conducted
Despite the chaplain’s outreach and the reported experiences, the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust clarified that no formal exorcism took place at the hospice. A spokesperson reiterated that deliverance ministry is a specialized form of pastoral care, rooted in the church’s commitment to healing and wholeness. The Diocese of Norwich also confirmed that the deliverance team did not visit the site, dispelling any notions of an exorcism being conducted.
The guidance from the Church of England states that exorcism rituals are meant to be performed with caution and are embedded within a context of prayer and scripture, emphasising the need for safeguarding procedures.
Staff Wellbeing at Stake
The unsettling experiences reported by staff not only reflect the spectral tales that often surround historical sites but also underscore the broader implications for mental health in healthcare environments. The distress caused by such encounters can profoundly affect the emotional well-being of those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
The hospital’s interactions with the deliverance team, while not culminating in a formal exorcism, signal a recognition of the importance of addressing staff concerns, both spiritual and psychological.
Why it Matters
This incident at the Norwich hospice is a poignant reminder of how deeply historical narratives and spiritual beliefs can intertwine in modern healthcare settings. As staff navigate their responsibilities amidst unsettling experiences, it highlights the imperative for organisations to support their mental and spiritual well-being. In a world where healthcare professionals often face immense pressures, addressing their concerns—be they physical, emotional, or even spectral—can foster a healthier work environment and ultimately enhance the quality of care provided to patients.
