Rakesh Bhatt, Hindu Chaplain

Rakesh was born in India where he completed a degree in Sanskrit and English at Gujarat University. He moved to the UK in 1993, becoming a Hindu Pandit (Priest) in a West Bromwich Temple.

In 1999, Rakesh joined Sandwell General Hospital as Hindu Chaplain and moved to University Hospitals Birmingham in 2004.

Rakesh is also a member and elected faith representative of the College of Health Care Chaplains.

Reverend Dr Barry Clark, Chaplaincy Manager/Team Leader

Barry was raised on a Lancashire farm and studied agricultural nutrition at Newcastle University.

In 1982, Barry was ordained within the Baptist tradition and has held chaplaincy posts since 1984.

Barry's first role at UHB was in 1987 at the old Queen Elizabeth Hospital, later moving to Selly Oak Hospital in 1993. His interests include medical, clinical and research ethics. Barry also enjoys the interplay of science and religion.

Reverend Jonathon Daniel, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine Chaplain

Jonathon joined the Royal Army Chaplain’s Department in 2007 having spent seven years as a Baptist Church Minister. Jonathon has worked in a variety of settings including the print industry, the Royal Military Police and Personnel & Training.

He has served for six years as an Army Chaplain, which has included time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jonathon is passionate about his ministry to people of all faiths and none.

As Military Chaplain (Padre) at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine he is responsible for supporting military patients, their families and the military staff at QEHB.

Bernard Gingold, Jewish Co-ordinator

Bernard is the Coordinator Chaplain for the Jewish community in Birmingham and is responsible for bereavement services within the Jewish community.

As Administrator of the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation at Singers Hill Synagogue, Bernard regularly holds synagogue tours and explains the Jewish faith to the non-Jewish world.

During his time at UHB Bernard has developed close relationships with the Chaplaincy Team and welcomes the opportunity to understand other religions.

David Harrison, Anglican Chaplain

David is a part time chaplain at QEHB and lay minister in the Anglican Church.

David’s ecumenical career has involved being raised a Congregationalist, confirmed in the Church of England, marriage in the Church of Scotland and is godfather to members of the Methodist and Catholic religions.

Prior to joining UHB, David worked in forensic science and also spent time with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an inspector. David is head of wellbeing services for staff at the University of Birmingham.

Father Jeremy Howard, Roman Catholic Chaplain

Jeremy was ordained as a Catholic Priest in 1997 and became the Catholic Chaplain at UHB in 1998.

Prior to joining the Trust Jeremy was an Anglican for ten years, this included Chaplaincy posts in a prison and Zimbabwe. He still keeps in contact with a Zimbabwean Anglican Congregation and says mass for a Zimbabwean Shona speaking congregation in Birmingham.

Jeremy is the Healthcare Adviser to the Archbishop of Birmingham and also chairs the Diocesan Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue.

Mawlana Akm Kamruzzaman, Muslim Chaplain

Mawlana was born in Bangladesh where he graduated from university in Islamic Studies and Business Management.

After moving to the UK in 1989, Mawlana worked in various community development roles in the Small Heath area and joined UHB as the Muslim Chaplain/Imam in 2000.

In 2005 Mawlana started the Bangladesh Learning Support Project. The programme provides access to education in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Man Kaur, Administration Assistant

Keith Munnings, Honorary Buddhist Chaplain

Keith is an honorary Buddhist Chaplain at UHB and has been part of the chaplaincy team since 2007.

Prior to joining the Trust, Keith started and developed an endorsement process for Buddhist Chaplains which involved training individuals across the UK.

Away from the Trust, Keith has worked as secondary school teacher and in more recent years he has become a teacher trainer.

Father Cecil Rogerson, Roman Catholic Chaplain

Cecil has been a Roman Catholic since 2005 and was ordained as a Priest in 2008. Cecil was born in South Africa and was ordained an Anglican in 1981.

After moving to the UK in 1997, he was appointed to Wordsley Parish where he served until 2005.

Cecil is a part-time chaplain at UHB and assistant Priest in the Parish of Our Lady and All Saints in Stourbridge.

Rehanah Sadiq, Muslim Chaplain

Rehanah was born in Pakistan and moved to the UK when she was two years old.

Prior to joining the Trust as a Muslim Chaplain in 2000, Rehanah provided counselling for women, families and youths in the Muslim community.

Rehanah regular speaks on Islamic topics both in the community and for educational institutes. She is also involved in multi-faith chaplaincy training and teaching/assessment of Muslim Chaplains.

Also, Rehanah is involved in various research projects and boards whilst providing cultural awareness training through the Reflection Network.

Reverend Sue Shewring, Anglican Chaplain

Following eight years in Australia running a business with her husband, Sue returned to the UK and retrained to become a teacher. In her last few years as a teacher, Sue felt called to the Church and was ordained in 2005.

Sue was a curate at Holy Cross in Billesely Common and joined UHB in 1997 as a full time Anglican Chaplain.

Parkash Sohal, Honorary Sikh Chaplain

Parkash is an honorary Sikh Chaplain who came to the UK in 1968 from Kenya. She began chaplaincy work in 2000 after volunteering to help members of the Sikh community in hospital.

Parkash covers seven hospitals and two hospices within the West Midlands area and works closely with the Nishkam Sewak Centre for community development and counselling.

Parkash has also participated in group discussions on Sangat TV.

Reverend Richard Wharton, Anglican Chaplain

Richard has been a full time Anglican Chaplain at the Trust since 2008. Before he joined UHB, Richard worked as an Anglican Parish Priest for ten years in three parishes in the Birmingham area.

Richard trained as a musician and teacher, he also spent time in Uganda where he was involved in the local Church.

Sister Renate Ziaja, Roman Catholic Chaplain

Renate is part of an international congregation of missionary sisters and a Catholic Chaplain at UHB. Born in Poland, Renate studied and worked as an engineer, later moving to Germany.

Before moving to the UK in 2008, Renate was a volunteer chaplain in Russia, a role she has occupied in various hospitals and countries around the world.

During her career, Renate also spent time in the nursing profession and is fluent in Polish and Russian.