Dhelkaya Health is pleased to offer its annual Memorial Service of Reflections and Memories as an online service once again.
The service, which began in 2019, provides an avenue through which loved ones, staff and the wider community can remember and give thanks for the lives of patients, residents and clients of Dhelkaya Health who died between 1 December 2021 and 30 November 2022.
Kynan Sutherland, the pastoral care coordinator at Dhelkaya Health, has conducted the service this year.
Mr Sutherland said: “Continuing COVID-19 restrictions in health care settings requires those working in healthcare to continue to be flexible, responsive and creative. Although watching the service is nowhere near the same as gathering in person, like the previous year, so many more people are able to participate in our online offering than would have been able to attend in person.”
“The feedback from family and friends, many of whom live in Melbourne and interstate, is that they really value the opportunity to honour their loved ones in this way.”
“Even though most COVID-19 related restrictions have ended, COVID-19 has not, and many people are still hesitant to gather in large groups. Add in the rising cost of travel, and it’s easy to see why providing this remembrance service as an online service makes sense.”
“It’s our hope that watching the service offers people comfort, recognition and a time to be still and remember in the midst of a world that continues on, regardless of what they may be experiencing.”
This year’s service was filmed in the beautiful autumnal setting of the Garden Room at Buda Historic Home.
The Remembrance Service of Reflections and Memories is available to watch on Castlemaine Health’s website at www.castlemainehealth.org.au/events and Maldon Hospital’s website at www.maldhosp.vic.gov.au. It can be accessed via any PC, phone or tablet device with an internet connection.
For further information or a copy of the memorial service booklet (hardcopy or electronic), please contact Kynan Sutherland, Pastoral Care Coordinator, on 54713542 or email ksutherland@castlemainehealth.org.au.