Memorial tree on palliative unit helps staff and patients grieve loss of loved ones

We have all experienced the loss of a loved one – and during the holidays – these feelings of grief and bereavement can often feel heightened.

Karina Wulf, palliative care specialist at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) knows this feeling well. Her mother Gerda, who loved Christmas, passed away 13 years ago.

Introducing the memorial tree

This year, inspired by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association's first annual Bereavement Day in Canada on Nov. 21, 2017, the palliative care team at MGH established an inaugural memorial tree on the unit.

Since then, the memorial tree has flourished with colourful leaves including messages of remembrance, compassion, love and loss. Palliative care staff, patients and their loved ones on the unit have added leaves to the tree, shared each other's messages and acknowledged grief individually and collectively.

The palliative team at MGH provides psychosocial, emotional and spiritual care support for patients with life-limiting illnesses, most of whom will spend the holidays in the hospital.

Where there is loss, there is healing

Karina was able to add a leaf to the memorial tree in her mother's honour.

“When we're able to honour and acknowledge the losses in our lives, there is healing,” says Karina. “I told my mother I missed her.”

For social worker Tova Milnes, the tree signifies the importance of taking time in the day to pause and reflect, “Setting aside the moment to remember that person is a way to give that energy back to the universe.”

The palliative team hopes to inspire other departments to take part in sharing messages of remembrance next year and potentially create a hospital-wide memorial tree in 2018.