Galway University Hospitals is holding an Ecumenical Memorial Service on Saturday 05 October

GUH is holding its fourth annual Ecumenical Memorial Service on Saturday 05 October at 2.30 pm in the staff canteen, Nurses Home, University Hospital Galway.
 
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.  The hospital staff and Chaplains together with Rev John Godfrey, Church of Ireland; Rev Peter Berrill, United Methodist and Presbyterian Church, Galway and Imam, Sheikh Khalid Sallabi, Galway Islamic Culture Centre are busy preparing the service which will include readings, reflections and music. 
 
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.   It also provides an opportunity for staff having provided the care to reflect and bring closure to their care of the deceased and their families.
 
We would like to hear from families who are interested in attending so that we have an idea of numbers for refreshments.
 
For further information or to confirm attendance, please contact one of the following committee members:
 
Sheila Gardiner, CPC & Chairperson “End of Life Care Committee” on 091 524222,
Fr David Cribbin/Fr Peter Joyce, Hospital Chaplains on 091 524222,
Adrienne Newell, Medical Social Worker, GUH on 091 542304;
Anne McKeown, Bereavement Liaison Officer on 091 544823 or on 091 524222
 
Photo details:
 
Back Row Left to Right: Fr David Cribbin, Chaplain; Joe O’ Neill, Mortuary Technician; Imam, Sheikh Khalid Sallabi, Galway Islamic Culture Centre; Pat McDonagh, A/Site Manager ISS Cleaning;  Jacquie Cooney, Aramark Catering; Rev John Godfrey, Church of Ireland; and Adrienne Newell, Medical Social Worker.
 
Front Row Left to Right: Marie Cox, Assistant Director of Nursing, CEO’s office; Anne McKeown, Bereavement Liaison Officer, GUH; Sheila Gardiner, Chairperson, End of Life Care Committee; Annette McCabe, Senior Executive Officer, Services Department, GUH; Mary Curran, Health Care Assistant, Emergency Department; Dr Geraldine Gaffney, Clinical Director Women and Children’s Directorate, GUH; Mary Burke, CNS Palliative Care; and Jean Kelly, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, GUH.