A switch to Moore Markhams Wellington has given ICHC improved, comprehensive financial support as demand for its chaplaincy services in hospitals remains strong.
The Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy currently has 92 chaplains working in 40 hospitals – supporting patients, their families, friends and staff in their times of greatest need, says chief executive Barry Fisk.
The organisation was formed in 1996, but its origins stretch back to the 1950s, when nine churches of different denominations placing ministers in hospitals as chaplains realised, they were providing a similar service and could work together.
ICHC is responsible for hiring, paying and managing chaplains. Most of its funding now comes from the Ministry of Health, with the remainder supplied by churches, donors, grants and trust funds.
The 92 chaplains, most of whom have had some theological training, together fulfil 56 full-time roles and are supported by about 275 volunteers.
After a staff member left, the charitable organisation turned to Moore Markhams Wellington partner
Bruce Stormer and his team to improve the standard and resilience of its financial administration as well as reporting, Barry says.
Markhams provides ICHC with a wide range of administrative accounting services, including managing income invoices and income from regular funders, handling expense invoices – including processing and payment through Xero, processing employee expense reimbursements, reconciling Xero and monitoring bank account balances.
The Moore Markhams team is also providing insights and reporting, so management has a clear picture of the business and can make the best decisions for it.
Bruce’s straightforward approach means financial information is easily digested by the team, Barry says. “And if there’s anything I’m worried about, Bruce takes it on board and deals with it immediately.
“It made better sense for us to contract it out and have expertise on tap, rather than relying on just one person on-site for administration and reporting.
“And we haven’t just gained an accountant, we’re also getting strategic financial advice from Bruce.”
The nature of ICHC and its history means funding is received at local and national levels, with the level of local funding differing from community to community.
“There are complex financial challenges that come with multiple funding sources, and we’re working with Bruce to better align our finances to our operating model.
“The move to Markhams has brought us more consistent, high-level and professional accounting advice.”
Chaplaincy services are in high demand, says Barry. “Most hospitals would say to me they need more chaplains, but we’re constrained by funding. That’s probably the biggest challenge we’re facing and the inflation we’re all experiencing will heighten that challenge.”
ICHC is adjusting to the recent reforms of the health sector and working with newly established national health services provider Te Whatu Ora to ensure it continues to meet its needs, Barry says.
ICHC national office manager David Hough says its chaplains provide spiritual and pastoral care to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
“They become involved in the lives of people and their whānau at their most tender moments – from the good to the really tragic. It’s incredibly rewarding and at times quite stressful.
“Our chaplains at Christchurch Hospital were there in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake, the 2019 mosque shootings and when victims of the White Island eruption that same year were transferred there.
“Our chaplains provide support for a wide range of needs. People may be anxious about being in hospital, concerned about the future or experiencing a tragedy that impacts the whānau and the whole community. They come across the whole range of human tragedy.”
https://www.ichc.org.nz/
Image: The Reverend Joe Gray, ICHC regional manager and lead chaplain for Taranaki, leads a service at Taranaki Base Hospital.