NHS Trust Engages Deliverance Ministers Amid Paranormal Reports at Norwich Hospice

The Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust sought the assistance of deliverance ministers, commonly referred to as exorcists, after staff at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich reported a series of paranormal incidents. These incidents included sightings of a ghostly figure described as a "small child in a red dress." The hospice, which previously functioned as the Jenny Lind Children's Hospital until 1975, has raised concerns among employees about potential hauntings linked to its history.

NHS called in exorcist after hospice staff complained of 'paranormal incidents' and a ghostly girl in a red dressNHS calls in exorcist at hospice haunted by ghostly girl in red dress

In response to the reported sightings, the hospice chaplain reached out to the Diocese of Norwich for guidance and support from the deliverance team. Emails revealed that the chaplain requested holy oil from Norwich Cathedral to conduct a religious service aimed at alleviating the fears of both staff and patients. Although the NHS Trust confirmed that a "blessing of the building" took place, they denied that an exorcist physically visited the site. Following the incidents, the Priscilla Bacon Lodge relocated to new premises in 2023, and the original building is no longer in use.

NHS called in exorcist after hospice staff complained of 'paranormal incidents' and a ghostly girl in a red dress

The relationship between the NHS and the Church of England's deliverance ministry reflects a broader historical context. Traditionally, the clergy viewed exorcisms negatively until the 1960s and 1970s, when interest surged, partly due to the influence of the film *The Exorcist*. In 1974, new guidelines were established, requiring bishops to grant special permission for exorcisms and mandating consultations with medical professionals. Updated guidelines in 2019 emphasized caution, particularly when dealing with individuals in vulnerable states, and recommended involving child welfare specialists or law enforcement if necessary.

NHS called in exorcist after hospice staff complained of 'paranormal incidents' and a ghostly girl in a red dressNHS calls in exorcist at hospice haunted by ghostly girl in red dress

While the NHS Trust has taken steps to address staff concerns, the decision to engage deliverance ministers has not been without criticism. Some may question the appropriateness of involving religious figures in a healthcare setting, particularly in light of the potential for misinterpretation of mental health issues as paranormal phenomena. The lack of transparency regarding the specific nature of the reported paranormal activities has also raised eyebrows among skeptics.

NHS called in exorcist after hospice staff complained of 'paranormal incidents' and a ghostly girl in a red dress

• “Further guidelines issued in 2019 said: 'Deliverance is an area of ministry where particular caution needs to be exercised, especially when ministering to someone in a disturbed state.” — Church of England Guidelines

NHS called in exorcist after hospice staff complained of 'paranormal incidents' and a ghostly girl in a red dress

The reported paranormal incidents at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge have prompted the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust to engage deliverance ministers in an effort to address staff fears. This situation highlights the intersection of healthcare, spirituality, and historical context, raising questions about the implications of such practices in modern medical settings. As the trust moves forward, the broader conversation surrounding the role of deliverance ministry in healthcare continues to evolve.

NHS calls in exorcist at hospice haunted by ghostly girl in red dress