Catriona Logan, 57, who has more than 30 years experience in general and psychiatric nursing, trained as a parish nurse on retirement from the NHS.
Her new role involves whole person healthcare through a church community supporting individuals’ physical, mental and spiritual health.
She is the 11th parish nurse to be appointed in Scotland and she said: “I am able to offer support with your health needs which could be talking through your health and wellbeing or supporting you in seeking the most appropriate care.
“I can also offer the opportunity for you to explore the spiritual aspects of your healthcare.”
And she added: “What I am not allowed to offer is clinical treatments such as dressings or injections, but I can support you in getting the care that you need as I am qualified to offer you health advice and give you a health checkup.”
She is particularly keen to help tackle loneliness and said: “We hear so much in the news that nurses who go into houses do not have time to properly speak to people.
“It is a major problem but the role of a parish nurse will help address that.”
Mrs Logan was appointed at St Mary’s Greyfriars Church in Dumfries in a service led by her husband, Rev David Logan. The couple moved to the area from Dundee last year.
He said “Our parish nurse is already working alongside our pastoral care team and myself bringing a new dimension to the care of our members and those living in our parish.”
Congratulating Mrs Logan and the church, MSP Mr Mundell said: “I am delighted to see a parish nursing service established here and believe that Catriona Logan’s appointment will make a real difference to the wider community in Dumfries.
“When people are facing illness and health problems it often presents challenges for their faith and can be very isolating.
“Having a parish nurse with both medical expertise and an interest in people’s spiritual health is of great value and comfort to many. It’s very welcome to see the church taking action in this area and taking practical steps to help those in need.”
