During a recent open day the bereavement centre team were busy serving tea and cake to all of their visitors and talking about the brilliant work they do. They also paused to thank organisations for their support including Asda who deliver flowers to the centre every fortnight. A plaque was also unveiled for the Friends of Lincoln Hospitals Association who helped to make the centre a reality with a generous donation.
Deputy Chief Nurse Jennie Negus said: “I cannot believe the centre has been open a year already. It is simply amazing when you look at the lives we have touched. This is such a special place, it is heart-warming in such heart breaking circumstances.
“We cannot thank the Friends of Lincoln Hospitals Association enough for everything they gave us to redevelop this space. We only have one chance to get this right and now this is now the most special space in which to do this.”
Gary Hewson from the Friends of Lincoln Hospitals Association said: “It is nice to pay a visit and see how the donation we made is making such a big difference to grieving families.
“It is great that they can come here and get the support and advice they need and not have to return to the ward where their loved one was being cared for. The centre has helped so many people in its first year and I know the plan is to support even more over the next 12 months. Well done to everyone involved.”
The bereavement centre was officially opened by the Queen’s cousin the Duke of Gloucester last year.
One person who has been helped by the team said: “Words cannot express the gratitude in our hearts for the work of the bereavement service team that has helped us through this very sad time.
“You have been such a comfort. You patiently explained the whole process and what our next steps were, helping us to move forward with our grieving process.”