Death in the Midst of life

“At some time, in some way, we must all face the end of life. And most of us share a common hope- that when death comes to us or a loved one, it will be peaceful and free of pain.”

Palliative Care Nurse Bev Lyttle spoke these powerful words during a recent memorial and bench dedication ceremony at Hants Community Hospital.

For the past two years this annual ceremony has honored the memory of those who have passed away and those who were there until the end to comfort and assist.

Palliative Care is a relatively new service for Hants County. Only four years old it provides a home consult service that tracks patients from hospital to home or long-term care facilities. Because of this service patients can spend their last months in the hospital, long-term care facility or at home knowing that someone is watching out for them.

“We hope to face death surrounded by those we love, feeling safe, comfortable and cared for,” Lyttle said to a packed house during the May 8 service. Tears were quietly shed during the reading of over 80 names; friends, family, co-workers, sisters and brothers. “It brings back so many memories,”

said Lyttle whose team had cared for each and every person on that list.

The PC team includes physicians, nurses, pharmacist, social worker, dietitians, nutritionist, clergy and the list goes on. Lyttle said that Physicians now embrace the service, understanding the value not only for the patient but their families. There is also a team of volunteers who visit patients in their homes or care facilities that assist with outings and provide friendship to those at the end of their lives.

“It takes an enormous team effort,” Lyttle said. “No one individual can meet the needs of a person in Palliative Care. There are so many concerns beyond their illness. We need to treat them spiritually, psychologically as well as medically.”

Working in the face of death is always a challenge, but Lytlle said there is support out there. “We do see a lot of death. It can be very acute,” she said. But working in a small community is a comfort in itself.

“We can know that we've helped these families from the cards and phone calls we receive once someone has passed on.”

And Lyttle said that is why an event like the Memorial service is so crucial. In a small community an event like this is so important. It gives people a chance to connect, come together and know they've shared a common experience,” she said.

The memorial Bench is graced by the tree planted during last year’s service and each year something new will be added with the hopes of creating a park in dedication to those who have faced death so bravely.