Trust plans service of remembrance

The Northern Health Trust intends to hold a public service of remembrance for those who pass during the pandemic, the timing yet to be decided.
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The announcement follows the appearance of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust’s Chief Executive, Dr Cathy Jack, before Stormont’s health committee.

Dr Jack told the committee that, within the Belfast Trust, palliative care nurses would write to relatives of those who die with no family present.

The letter, she said, would explain how they passed away and include anything they said in their final moments.

A paramedic wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) exits an ambulanceA paramedic wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) exits an ambulance
A paramedic wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) exits an ambulance

A spokesperson for the Northern Trust, said it had its own plans for the bereavement service it would offer families who lose loved ones at this time: “Where a loved one has died within the Northern Trust, whether in an acute or a community hospital, a specific COVID-19 bereavement folder will be provided to each family via the funeral director,” said the spokesperson.

“Plans are also being explored with the Trust Chaplain to provide each person who is nearing end of life with a small memorial token of comfort for them under such difficult circumstances.”

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