Last week, Northern Health’s Spiritual Care, Palliative Care and Social Work teams hosted a memorial service to honour the memory of those who passed away at Northern Health.

The service, ‘A time to remember’, was an opportunity for loved ones and staff to join together to remember those who passed away at Northern Health between June 2023 and November 2023. The service also paid tribute to Northern Health staff who have passed away.

The event was attended by many loved ones and staff, including Dr Andrea Kattula, Northern Health Board Member, Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, who opened the service, and Stephanie Thompson, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, who delivered the Acknowledgment of Country.

Other attendees included representatives from Palliative Care, Social Work and Spiritual Care. The Northern Health Community Choir also performed at the service.

During the service, guests were invited to reflect by choosing a butterfly that represented an element – grief, courage, memories, love, peace and hope – that was meaningful to them. The butterflies were beautifully placed on a community tree in memory of those being honoured, creating a very colourful representative of attendees thoughts and feelings.

Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, said it was a privilege to offer a sacred healing space for Northern Health’s community.

“We had 135 people attend, including 40 staff, who came to support, honour and grieve together with family, friends and loved ones,” she said.

“Tears, laughter and beautiful stories were shared and celebrated. Hearing the positive feedback from those attending affirms the importance of offering compassionate holistic care.”

“My deepest gratitude to those involved in creating a heartfelt memorial service especially to Spiritual Care, Palliative Care, Social Work, Volunteers and the Northern Health Community Choir.”

Northern Health received positive feedback from next of kins following the memorial service, many saying they felt supported and that their grief was heard and understood by the audience.

“I remember the wonderful care my husband received at the hospital. My daughter came from Queensland to be here for the memorial service”.

“It is so good that the hospital runs this event.”

“Well done, that was beautiful”.

Featured image: Staff at the memorial service.