A COMMUNITY hospital could be renamed in honour of a popular priest who devoted much of his life to it.

Father John Caden visited staff and patients at Sedgefield Community Hospital in Sedgefield, County Durham, right up until his death on February 22 at the age of 89.

And now a small band of hospital supporters has launched a bid to rename the hospital the John Caden Community Hospital as a lasting tribute to the much-loved Catholic priest.

Betty Amlin, of the League of Friends of Winterton and Community Hospitals, is spearheading the project, with the help of Councillor John Robinson, who represents Sedgefield on Durham County Council.

The group is now awaiting permission from the NHS to hold a series of consultation events in the Sedgefield area, which they hope will take place in June.

Mrs Amlin said Fr Caden, who founded the League of Friends, deserved recognition for his long service.

“He was the longest serving chaplain in the National Health Service,” she said. “He started in 1956 and from the day he came to Sedgefield to the month he died he was on call 24 hours a day.

“He could be called out any time of the day and it made no difference what religion the patient was - catholic, protestant, atheist – it never came into it.

“It would be a loving and lasting tribute to name the hospital after him.”

Coun John Robinson said the views of residents would be crucial to any decision that was made.

He said he was delighted to support the idea, adding: “All of my life I have seen how hard Father John Caden has worked for the community, especially the hospital.

“His involvement goes right back to the days of Sedgefield General Hospital when he fought to keep it open.”

Fr Caden, known as Jack, served the parish of Sedgefield for more than 50 years.

During his time as priest, Fr Caden became close friends with former Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP Tony Blair.

Mr Blair and his wife Cherie were among the hundreds of mourners who turned out to his funeral at St Edmund’s Church on March 5.