Deaconess Information - Carole O'Hara

Background:

Carole, who was born and lived in Lisburn, became a Christian when young. Growing up in the congregation of Sloan Street she was particularly involved with children's organisations. For two summers she worked with Operation Mobilisation. After leaving school Carole worked in the Civil Service.

Present Ministry:

I commenced my work as Deaconess in Antrim Area Hospital and Musgrave Park Hospital on 1st February 2007. I spend Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings in Antrim, and Wednesday morning in Musgrave. Rev. Donald Patton is the Chaplain in Antrim and Rev. Paul Erskine is in Musgrave - both Chaplains have a congregation to care for, so it is good to be able to share in the hospital ministry with them.

These hospitals are very different. In Antrim the number of Presbyterian patients is high, and the turnover is normally very quick. Musgrave Park is the Orthopaedic centre, and so often our people benefit greatly and gain increased mobility through the surgical skills there.

As I spend most of my time in Antrim Hospital, I can relate to the staff more easily here. This takes time, but it is good to be able to get to know them as I go around from ward to ward.

I very much enjoy hospital ministry. It is a real privilege to be given the opportunity of listening and sharing with so many people when they come into hospital. Part of my role is that of linking patients with their own minister whose visits are so much appreciated by the patients.

Interests:

Reading, theatre, entertaining or visiting friends.

Prayer Requests:

• That I would be used by God to minister in the way He knows is needed for the different people I meet in hospital.
• That I would be used in ministry to the staff in ways appropriate to their needs.