NHS Calls Exorcist to Hospice Following Reports of Ghostly Sightings

The NHS has enlisted the help of an exorcist at a hospice in Norwich after staff expressed concerns about ghostly sightings, specifically the apparition of a girl in a red dress. The unsettling reports emerged from the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, an end-of-life care facility that previously functioned as the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital until 1975.

Employees at the hospice have described several frightening incidents, leading them to believe that the spirits of former residents may be lingering in the building. In response to the growing unease, the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust sought assistance from “deliverance ministers,” commonly referred to as exorcists, to conduct a religious cleansing ceremony using holy oil.

Concerns Among Staff

The issue gained traction when the hospice chaplain reached out to the Diocese of Norwich in 2023, reporting “some ‘paranormal’ incidents” that had significantly unsettled staff members. The chaplain indicated that the ongoing phenomena had created a challenging work environment and requested holy oil from Norwich Cathedral for a potential service involving both staff and patients.

Internal communications revealed that the hospice was actively discussing the involvement of an exorcist. These details were obtained through a Freedom of Information request, underscoring the seriousness with which the NHS is treating the situation.

Though a spokesperson for the NHS confirmed that a blessing of the building had taken place, they declined to comment on specific sightings reported by staff. They also denied that exorcists had conducted any visits to the hospice in person.

Church Guidance on Exorcisms

The Church of England has expressed caution regarding the practice of exorcisms. Following a tragic incident in 1974, where a man committed murder during an exorcism, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued strict guidelines. These directives mandate that deliverance ministers consult with medical professionals before getting involved in any exorcism cases.

A spokesperson for the Church stated, “Deliverance ministry is a specialist form of pastoral care… rooted in the church’s commitment to healing, wholeness, and peace for those experiencing distress, whether physical, mental, or spiritual.” The process is intended to be performed within the context of prayer, sacrament, and scripture, aligning with the broader ministry of healing.

As the situation at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge continues to unfold, the NHS and the Church of England are navigating the delicate balance between spiritual beliefs and the well-being of staff and patients alike. The involvement of exorcists highlights the lengths to which organizations may go to address concerns that impact their operations and the emotional health of their personnel.