Galway University Hospitals to hold Ecumenical Memorial Service on 28 Oct

Galway University Hospitals End of Life Care Committee will hold its eight annual Ecumenical Memorial Service on Thursday, 26 October at 7.00 pm in the staff canteen, Nurses Home, University Hospital Galway.

The service will be led by the Chaplains who minister to the Patients throughout the year, including Rev. Gary Hastings, Church of Ireland, Mr Ray Gately, Merlin Park University Hospital, Fr. Robert McNamara and Fr. Dáithí Ò Murchù. Music during the service will be provided by hospital staff, and readings and reflections will be shared on the day.  

Anne McKeown, Bereavement Liaison Officer, UHG, said, “We hope that the service will support families in the grief they are experiencing as part of their loss.  It is also an opportunity to meet other families and staff who have shared the journey of illness and hospital attendance.  Following the service there will be an opportunity to share the experience over a cup of tea.

“Families and friends who have attended previous services have found it a beneficial experience.  The decision to hold the service in the staff canteen proved very successful giving families the opportunity to return to the hospital, and it also meant that staff coming off duty were able to pop in to share the experience. Death is one of the most momentous occasions in family life and this service offers families the opportunity for closure with the hospital services.”

For further information or to confirm attendance, please contact one of the following committee members:

Angela O Grady, Social Work Dept 091 544089
Sheila Gardiner, Clinical Placement Facilitator 091 524222 Bleep 984
Anne McKeown, Bereavement Liaison Officer 091 544823
Fr. Rob/Fr. Dáithí 091 524222 Bleep 101