THE first of two parish nurses to serve in Teesdale and Weardale was commissioned last week.
The nurses, who are part of the Parish Nursing Ministries UK scheme, will be supporting those who are struggling with isolation and their mental health.
Gladys Mugambi was commissioned during a service at St Mary’s Church, in Barnard Castle, last week.
Revd Canon Alec Harding said parish nursing enables the church to broaden its pastoral ministry by providing care as well as spiritual support.
He said: “Gladys was initially trained in her home country of Kenya where she served among the tea picking community.
“She then worked for Doctors Without Borders before moving to the UK to work in the care sector. “
Revd Harding added: “She studied in Sunderland for her UK nursing qualifications and since qualifying, has worked in a number of local hospitals, most recently for the University Hospital Durham.”
She becomes the first nurse to be appointed by the newly formed Durham Dales Parish Nursing charity.
Revd Harding said: “Working in partnership with local surgeries, the focus of Gladys’ ministry will be preventative care, supporting those with mental health difficulties or who are at risk because of isolation, relieving pressure on colleagues in the NHS.”
Ms Mugambi will operate from the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass) offices, in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
