Honouring those who have lost their lives during pandemic
Remembering those who have died and their families

Honouring those who have lost their lives during pandemic

TALLAGHT University Hospital has unveiled a permanent memorial to honour those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The memorial is located in the garden outside the hospital’s chapel and will be known as the ‘Heart Memorial’. It will honour those who died during the pandemic and is for the grieving families, hospital staff and the community.

Speaking about the new memorial, Lucy Nugent, Chief Executive of Tallaght University Hospital said: “This memorial provides us all with a space to honour those who have died in our hospital but also for those of us who have lost loved ones during this pandemic.

“It also recognises the dedicated care provided by staff throughout this pandemic who have and continue to contribute to the care of end-of-life patients with courage, selflessness and dedication.

Remembering those who have died and their families

“The Covid-19 Memorial ensures there is a special location where family members and hospital staff can pause and remember, a reminder that loved ones lost to us are forever in our hearts”.

The sculpture, created by artist Mark Ryan and sponsored by the Adelaide Health Foundation is based on identical hearts, an initiative by the Pastoral Care team throughout the pandemic. Healthcare chaplains at the hospital incorporated the practice of placing a handcrafted heart in the hand of a dying or deceased patient during their end-of-life care. An identical heart was given to the next of kin or family member.

The message to the bereaved families read: “Your loved one was not alone, we cared for them, we stayed with them. Life has to end, love doesn’t – a pair of identical hearts, one is with them, and this heart is for you made with love.”

Commenting on the sculpture, John Kelly, Director of Pastoral Care at TUH said: “The image of the identical hearts incorporated into a permanent memorial commemorates this tragic time of Covid-19.

“It serves as an everlasting tribute to beautiful lives well lived and worth remembering. The heart of those we remember returning to the loving heart of the source of their being and a reminder of the love they shared in the world.

“It stands here lest we forget as a place of remembrance, a place to honour, to respect and a place of healing.”

Niamh Gavin, Chief Executive of the Adelaide Health Foundation, said that memorialisation is an “essential part” of the grieving process, and it is a “wonderful way to cherish the fond memories of those who have died”.

TAGS
Share This