Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda
A new family bereavement room was officially opened by broadcaster George Hook at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda yesterday.
The family bereavement room is a space created for relatives to grieve the passing of a loved one. It is also a dedicated space for them to spend a short period with their deceased relative before they are transferred to the care of the funeral director.
Speaking about the facility, Operational Services Manager, Yvonne Gregory complimented the staff who had fundraised to assist with the refurbishment of the space and provide the furnishings and artwork for the rooms.
“The provision of this facility is testament to the efforts of the hospital staff who fundraised in the last year to generate the funds to carry out this work,” she said.
“It is much needed within the hospital and will offer a dedicated space of solace for families who are bereaved. I am proud of the staff for recognising and supporting this need.”
The hospital’s End of Life Coordinator, Mary McGrane said: “We aim to fulfil the requirements of a Hospice Friendly Hospital (HFH), where we have dedicated space for families to spend time near their relative who is approaching end of life.
“This facility meets that aim and also offers families the option of spending time immediately after death with their relative in a relaxed and quiet environment. We hope to continue to deliver similar facilities in other parts of hospital in the future.”
Staff also unveiled the hospital’s annual Tree of Remembrance on the day. This is a symbol of love for all who have died recently or some time ago and provides an annual opportunity for staff and visitors to remember colleagues, family and friends by placing a card of prayer or thought on the tree.
