Bereavement Counselling is Essential...
Today was a nice day. It was cold, but not cold enough to make me freeze. I went to work (volunteer work, that is) early on, so I could get back to study, and I went in humming to myself.
My chair looked very inviting, and I was looking forward to some quiet time alone, with nothing but piles and piles of papers.
Halfway through, a man dressed in shirt-and-pants (alot of people wear scrubs in the hospital) came in and asked me how I was doing, and if I was ok...
I initially thought he had gotten the wrong person, since I recently took over from a lady who had been working there for a long time.
I must have obviously looked very confused. Because he then explained that he was the chaplain of the hospital, and that early that morning, one of the staff members of my department had passed away in unforseen circumstances.
He then explained that as part of the services, the hospital was offering counselling and bereavement support to all who knew or worked with her, and needed someone to talk to. Since the news was still so fresh, they were making sure everyone who was in the building had access to support...
I didn't know her, but my mood did drop many notches. She was, after all, working in the office space directly opposite my room, and I could have even possibly passed her before.
But I was impressed enough that the hospital offered such services, and so promptly. The hospital boasts about 2350 staff, 600 volunteers, and serves about 300 000 people.
I was definitely impressed that the chaplain (like a priest/pastor/rabbi etc) approached all staff. Cos if I had known her, and well enough, I would have very much liked his presence, whichever religion-denomination he might be representing..
Bereavement support is very essential, especially when people are still coming to terms with the news...I'm glad they offer this service...
Sigh...Spare a prayer for her newly departed soul, will ya? May she rest in peace, and my dearest condolences to her family and loved ones...
Comments
We have yet to reach that level here. Mybe the idea will catch on after you come back and start the thing here.
daph... how come you never reply my mail..?
too busy i guess!
www.cabai-kering.blogspot.com
Malaysia... hmmhhh... 15 years from now? Or 30??
How's your Christmas shopping?
The snow must be quite thick by now....
Have a great week, Daph!
Hope you have a good christmas and happy new year!
Sigh...Sadnya...I thought bereavement is universal! As for the waiting for me to go back, aiyo! It's not me, or anyone else...It's the system which needs to be changed...=(
Haha...I will have a great break, but books will be following...I have quizzes the first week back! Talk about being overworked by the profs...=(
You have an excellent xmas too, wherever you are!
Yeap, nice concept indeed! Have a good hols, you!
Hello rosesNtheboys,
I love the concept too! And I have no idea what you're talking about with regards to an email? WHAT email? I didn't receive anything...=(
Christmas shopping? *LOL* Nak keluar pergi makan in town also no time! Dah 3 minggu tak keluar ;(
Anyway, I have too much stuff, and things are expensive here, so not much of an X-Mas shopping here for me ler...
As for the concept catching on, hey, you never know, weirder things have happened!
Haha...I thought I was the only one who was impressed. Shocked, but definitely impressed as well!
I didn't think they would think of the well-being of the staff/volunteers to that extent! But definitely it is a good structure...
You too! Have a Merry X-Mas and Happy New Yr as well...
By the way, apa macam I can't find your blog listing anymore? I usually go to your profile and access your blog, but can't find the button anymore, and I don't have your URL offhand ;(
Frankly I'm bereaved ... bereaved because you're not around to join us.