NHS Hospice Staff Contacted Exorcists Following Disturbing Paranormal Encounters
Staff at a former NHS hospice in Norwich reported a series of deeply unsettling ghostly encounters, including repeated sightings of a young girl in a red dress, which prompted them to seek assistance from the Church of England. The incidents, which occurred in 2023, were described as "really upsetting" for employees, leading to formal contact with deliverance ministers—often referred to as exorcists—according to emails obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
Historical Context and Staff Distress
The hospice, known as the former Priscilla Bacon Lodge, is located near Colman Hospital in Norwich and sits on the grounds of what was once the Jenny Lind Children's Hospital. This facility operated until 1975, a history that some staff members believe explains the "spirits" they felt were haunting the building. One source detailed how employees had consistently reported seeing the apparition of a "small child in a red dress," causing significant distress among the team.
In 2023, the hospice chaplain emailed the Diocese of Norwich to report these "paranormal incidents" that were adversely affecting staff morale. The chaplain noted they were "awaiting advice and support from the deliverance team" to address the situation. A follow-up email confirmed that conversations were ongoing with a member of the deliverance team to aid in the pastoral care being offered.
Religious Rites and Practical Measures
As the hospice chapel was being decommissioned, the chaplain also sought guidance on marking its closure. In an email with the subject line "oil," the chaplain outlined plans for a "concluding ceremony" and a final holy communion, requesting holy oil from Norwich Cathedral for the service. The chaplain emphasized the need for prayer during this "difficult time," linking the emotional toll of the paranormal events to the broader challenges faced by the staff.
According to the Church of England's official guidance, Christian exorcism is defined as a specific act intended to rid a person or place of an evil spirit through binding, releasing, or expelling. The formal rites of deliverance are designed to provide additional safeguarding procedures, particularly when the laying on of hands or casting out of demons is deemed necessary.
Official Responses and Clarifications
Despite the concerns and the interaction with the deliverance team, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust clarified that a specific exorcism did not ultimately take place. A spokesperson explained that deliverance ministry is a specialist form of pastoral care within the Church of England, focused on healing, wholeness, and peace for those experiencing physical, mental, or spiritual distress. It is embedded within the wider ministry of healing and involves prayer, sacrament, and scripture.
The Diocese of Norwich further confirmed that an exorcism was not carried out at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge and that the deliverance ministry team did not visit the site. This highlights the nuanced approach taken by the church in responding to such sensitive matters, balancing spiritual support with practical pastoral care.
The incident underscores the broader challenges faced by NHS staff in high-stress environments, where historical settings and emotional workloads can sometimes lead to unusual or distressing experiences. It also reflects the ongoing role of religious institutions in providing support within healthcare contexts, even in cases involving paranormal claims.
