In a series of unsettling events that stirred distress among healthcare workers, staff at the former Priscilla Bacon Lodge, an NHS hospice situated near Colman Hospital in Norwich, reported repeated paranormal encounters throughout 2023. These incidents included multiple sightings of a young girl apparition dressed in red, which prompted the hospice chaplain to seek external assistance for spiritual support.
Chaplain Contacts Diocese for Deliverance Team Guidance
Emails obtained through a Freedom of Information request have revealed that the chaplain reached out to the Diocese of Norwich, specifically requesting advice and support from their deliverance team, commonly known as exorcists. This action was taken in response to what were described as "paranormal incidents" causing significant unease among the hospice staff. The correspondence indicated that the chaplain sought holy oil for a planned "concluding ceremony" and arranged for a last holy communion while awaiting further guidance on how to address the haunting phenomena.
Historical Context of the Hospice Site
The hospice is located on the grounds of the former Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital, which ceased operations in 1975. Some members of the staff have speculated that this historical background, involving a facility dedicated to paediatric care, may have contributed to the perceived hauntings. This connection to a past medical institution adds a layer of intrigue to the reports, suggesting that residual energies or memories from the children's hospital could be influencing the current paranormal activity.
No Formal Exorcism Conducted Despite Religious Rites
Despite the chaplain's proactive engagement with the deliverance team and the performance of various religious rites aimed at calming the situation, both the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust and the Diocese of Norwich have confirmed that a formal exorcism was never carried out at the site. This clarification highlights that while spiritual measures were implemented to alleviate staff concerns, the situation did not escalate to the point of requiring an official exorcism ritual, as often depicted in popular culture.
Impact on Staff and Ongoing Responses
The repeated ghostly encounters, particularly the sightings of the girl in the red dress, reportedly caused considerable distress among the hospice employees, affecting their work environment and morale. The response from the NHS trust and religious authorities underscores a balanced approach, combining psychological support with spiritual consultations to address such unusual occurrences in a healthcare setting. This incident sheds light on how institutions handle paranormal claims while maintaining professional and compassionate care standards.
