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Jewish prayer space opens at Southend Hospital

Josh Holmes-Bright
BBC News, Essex
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust A group of Jewish community leaders and NHS staff standing by the door of the new prayer space while smiling.Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Jewish community leaders and NHS staff launched the new prayer space together

A hospital has officially opened a new prayer space for Jewish patients and staff, offering them a place to observe Shabbat - the Jewish day of rest.

Members of the Orthodox synagogue in Westcliff, the charity Gezint, and representatives from the Haredi communities in both Westcliff and Canvey Island attended the opening event at Southend Hospital on Thursday to show their support.

The space is located within the hospital's chaplaincy suite and has been designed to "offer comfort, dignity and privacy".

It includes a kosher microwave and freezer, washing facilities, a cupboard with kosher food and drink, a small food store for children, and a resting area.

David Childs, lead chaplain at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Hospital can feel like a world away from daily life, so we wanted to create an area that feels personal, comforting and familiar – somewhere that offers a sense of calm in the middle of what can often be a stressful time.

"Everything in the space has been carefully thought through to meet practical needs, while showing real care for the community it serves."

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Jewish community and charity leaders cutting a purple ribbon in front of a kosher microwave and freezer.Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
The new prayer space is open to all Jewish patients, staff or visitors at Southend Hospital

Shabbat is observed from Friday evening until Saturday night, and is a time for prayer, reflection and family, where many Jewish people step back from their everyday routines.

Rabbi Isaac Kohn, director of Gezint, a charity supporting Jewish health and wellbeing, said: "For many Jewish patients and families, being in hospital especially over Shabbat can be really difficult.

"Having a dedicated space like this means you don't have to worry about kosher food and prayers – it's wonderful to see the hospital recognising and supporting our needs.

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