P121
THE TREE OF REMEMBRANCE: SUPPORTING FAMILIES, STAFF AND FRIENDS OF
THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED DIALYSIS
Lyn Allen and Lindsay Chesterton
Royal Derby Hospital
Background. The Supportive Care Group was set up in 2014 to drive initiatives that would enhance
the support available to patients throughout their journey with renal disease. The group consists of
representatives from all parts of the renal service, including unregistered and registered staff, a
medical consultant, occupational therapist and chaplaincy staff.
Initiative. Dialysis therapy can be all-consuming for both renal patients and their wider family and
staff may provide support for the individual and family throughout their lives. Often relatives
appreciate the ongoing, informal support provided by staff after their family member has died and
return to visit the staff members on a regular basis.
Supportive care activities this year culminated in providing a Tree of Remembrance, which was set up
in a supportive environment within the unit for 1 week in December. Relatives of deceased patients
were invited in to place a star of remembrance on the tree. The tree was available throughout the week
for this purpose, but the activity was facilitated by members of staff for an hour a day with
refreshments and support. Subsequently the tree was moved to the main renal outpatient waiting area,
where a number of patients visiting for dialysis or outpatient appointments also added stars to the tree.
Design. 48 relatives of deceased patients from this year were sent a letter inviting them to the event.
During the week, information on Trust bereavement services was available. In addition, anticipating
that some families may request a clinician-lead discussion to help them in their grieving, we set up a
process to deal facilitate this request although this was not required. The event was also advertised to
members of the local Kidney Patient association through their newsletter.
Evaluation. 12 sets of relatives attended. Facilitation of the activity was challenging, with a number of
families visibly moved whilst writing and placing their star on the tree. However it was also very
rewarding -many families said how pleased they were to have been invited. Many families also asked
whether this was the first time we had done it, and would we be doing it again. We were commended
on the surroundings, the beauty of the tree and families appreciated the opportunity to remember their
loved ones. The tree was also visited by members of staff who wanted to remember personal
bereavements and patients whom they too were missing.
Conclusion. The Supportive Care Group will be repeating this activity this year, but will also discuss
the needs of families of longer standing bereavement. Many who attended this event wished to return
to future remembrance activities. We also have a number of other activities planned to support
patients, including expansion of the chaplaincy volunteer scheme which provides regular pastoral care
to the patients during their dialysis sessions.