Bereavement Information and Awareness Event at Sligo University Hospital

Sligo University Hospital is holding a Bereavement Information and Awareness Event in the main foyer of the hospital on Wednesday 06 November from 10 am to 2.30pm.

This is the fourth year that the event has taken place in the hospital and it is open to members of the public and staff of the hospital.

Ann Hayes is the End of Life Care Co-ordinator at the hospital and the Bereavement Information and Awareness Event organiser. She said, “Over 28,000 people die in Ireland every year. For every one person that dies, some 10 people are directly affected and bereaved. More than 70% of people die outside their own homes and in fact around 48% of Irish people die in acute hospital settings.

“A survey carried out by the Irish Hospice Foundation in 2011 found that 20% of bereaved people did not get enough support during their most recent bereavement. However there are support groups which specialise in bereavement and many will be taking part in our Bereavement Information and Awareness Event.

“There will be representatives from the hospital’s Social Work Department, the Irish Hospice Foundation, Anam Cara (supporting parents after bereavement), Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland), Sage Advocacy, the Samaritans, Pieta House, Sligo Cancer Support Centre, An Garda Síochána, Sligo Family Resource Centre, the Citizens Information Board and the HSE’s Bereavement Counsellor, among others.

“Other organisations which won’t be able to send a representative, have sent support material to distribute on the day and these include St Michael’s Family Life Centre, First Light and Embrace Farm (farm accident support network).

“The event takes place on Wednesday 06 November and all are welcome!”

Photo Caption:
At the 2018 Bereavement Information and Awareness Event in Sligo University Hospital (SUH), from left: Maria White, Bereavement Midwife, SUH; Marian Sweeney and Ann-Marie McIntyre, Social Workers, SUH; Liam Neville, HSE Bereavement Counsellor; and Sr. Catherine Gilligan, SUH Chaplaincy Services.