The QEII Hospital has brought in a new program aimed at making it easier to say goodbye to a loved one. The White Rose program gives people visiting someone in palliative care extra comforts like a parking pass, snacks and coffee, and “Comfort Bags” with colouring books and toys for children, and cards and things to read for adults.
“They don’t have to worry about those pieces, so they can really spend those most valuable moments with their loved on in the hospital here,” says senior operating officer Stacy Greening. “I think those are really important moments and I think to be able to partner with families to make those a little bit easier during a difficult time is what we’re really hoping to achieve here.”
To help others be aware of the loss someone is experiencing, a “lit” candle is also placed on the front desk and an image of a white rose on the door of the patient’s room. It lets workers know to leave the room in peace. Having lost a family member herself, Greening says she hopes the gesture show their compassion.
“Our passion to support the family members during that time, and that it just adds some comforts that allow families and loved ones to be at the bedside during that time versus having to leave to grab a cup of coffee or to plug the meter.”
The program is funded through the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, and anyone interested in supporting it can make a donation directly through the foundation. It was rolled out earlier this month in two medical units, two surgical units, the ICU and the emergency department. 11 families have benefited so far.
Previously, staff in those areas would do what they could for those grieving on their own, including bringing cards of condolences.
“One gentleman was here and he didn’t even know how to go home and boil water; his wife had always done everything and now she was passing away,” Clinical Coordinator/Educator for the ICU Cindy O’Flaherty says, “so I ended up giving him my supper because that’s what we do.”
Special cards are now provided for staff to sign. The program is already in place in other parts of Alberta.