Community Spirit Shines at St Henry Morse, Diss
October 23, 2025
The Diocese of East Anglia, in partnership with the Catholic Association (CA), is inviting healthcare professionals and students to serve on the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes next summer (21-28 August 2026).
It’s a unique opportunity to practise truly person-centred care for our Assisted Pilgrims (APs) — attending to their biopsychosocial and spiritual needs in a place of prayer, friendship and hope.
The CA Healthcare Team brings together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, healthcare assistants and students. Most recently (2025) the team was led by Dr Adrian Hayter, Chief Medical Officer; Tina Quinn RN, Chief Nurse; and Christopher Daubney RMN, Deputy Chief Nurse — experienced clinicians who support and mentor volunteers throughout the week.
Working as one team with Handmaids and Brancardiers, we provide 24-hour care in the Accueil (Lourdes’ dedicated facility for those who need extra support). A small number of experienced CA nurses also offer light-touch support in the hotels to APs who are largely self-caring.
Who can volunteer?
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Registered nurses (UK NMC): All fields and backgrounds welcome. If you’re currently working in the NHS at Band 2, 3 or 4, or you’re a recently retired nurse, you are warmly encouraged to apply. Students are also welcome and will work under supervision.
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Doctors: We welcome doctors in training and consultants from a wide range of specialties, including General Practice. You’ll work within a multidisciplinary team to support APs in the Accueil and the hotels, following and contributing to care plans. Care spans children and adults, from basic support to complex needs (including co-morbid physical and mental health conditions).
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Allied Health Professionals (AHPs): Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics, Pharmacists and other AHPs play a vital role in enhancing mobility, independence and overall well-being for our pilgrims.
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Healthcare students & educators: Medical students, student nurses, student paramedics and other healthcare students are invited to join for a tailored elective placement in a rich, supervised clinical environment. Lecturers and Practice Educators are equally welcome.
What to expect
Across the week you’ll experience:
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A broad spectrum of clinical presentations, from routine to complex, with care plans prepared in advance for pilgrims with significant conditions.
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Close working with the French healthcare system—advocating for pilgrims and liaising with local pharmacies, primary care and hospital services when needed.
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Time at the Lourdes Medical Bureau for first-time doctors, joining an international community of pilgrimage clinicians.
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The privilege of building deeper understanding of each person—attending not only to physical health, but also to companionship, prayer and the rhythms of pilgrimage life.
Volunteers are asked to provide the usual professional registration and licensing information, along with a current DBS. Medical indemnity is usually provided pro bono by the defence organisations, as our work is undertaken in a voluntary “Good Samaritan” capacity.
How to get involved
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General Healthcare Team & student enquiries:
healthcare@catholicassociation.co.uk -
Nursing information (including students, Bands 2–4 and retired nurses):
chief_nurse@catholicassociation.co.uk -
Medical enquiries & expressions of interest:
cmo@catholicassociation.co.uk
Come and serve with us in Lourdes from 21–28 August 2026. Bring your skills, compassion and faith — and discover how much you receive when you give your time to those who need it most.
