May 21, 2018
Located on the University of Alberta Hospital campus, the Century of Caring Memorial Garden features plaques recognizing staff, physicians and volunteers who’ve passed away and have made a lasting impact on healthcare and their colleagues.
Story by Amelia Schofield; photo supplied
EDMONTON — The Century of Caring Memorial Garden at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) preserves the memory of staff, physicians and volunteers who’ve passed away, people who made a lasting impact on healthcare and the lives of those around them.
Located in the east end of the courtyard between the Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre and the Medical Sciences Building, the space features 70 wall plaques recognizing caring individuals who worked at the University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute or the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. The plaques highlight dedicated service at the site since 1925, ranging from two years to almost 50 years on the job.
“Those remembered in this way have been nominated for this honour by their former colleagues and friends at the hospital. When between five and 10 of these nominations have been received, our team begins planning a ceremony to pay tribute to this group of inductees,” says Paul Bergen, manager of spiritual care at UAH.
When the space was created, a bronze ribbon was installed on the walls along with three panels of stained glass, which grace the walls in the adjacent hallway. A central planter is filled with flowers each spring, while a number of smaller planters add colour and texture to the space.
Once the spiritual care team receives nominations, they plan a ceremony for family, friends and colleagues of the recognized individuals. The next ceremony is set for Thursday, June 7, when nine more plaques will be added to the wall.
“We open with poems and light a candle, then share stories, pictures and the name plaques. Then at the end of each presentation, we do a reflective piece that has pictures and music, and wrap up with a final blessing and refreshments,” says Brent Watts, chaplain for the Northern Alberta Renal Program.
According to Bergen, the ceremony can be a meaningful experience for the nominated individual’s family and provide them with new insights into their loved one’s contributions to the hospital.
“We find families are so appreciative. Many would have met these former colleagues before socially but not always, and some of the families will say ‘you know what, I didn’t even know what my loved one did at this hospital – not really,’” he says.
For some, the plaques become the only lasting representation of their loved one’s life.
“I remember another family member who tearfully and gratefully acknowledged after going out to the garden that this would be the only lasting marker to her loved one’s life because he was cremated and his ashes were spread,” adds Bergen.
In addition to families, the experience is also a meaningful one for staff.
“For staff who have a deep connection with that person, it’s a place to honour that relationship,” he says.
Creating this experience depends upon community support through the University Hospital Foundation.
“We do receive some donations to run the program, which help fund flowers for the garden and the ceremonies,” says Bergen. “These donations are made through the foundation and we’re grateful for the support.”
To show your support of the Century of Caring Memorial Garden, please contact the University Hospital Foundation or visit GivetoUHF.ca. Visit ahs.ca/give for a full list of Alberta’s health foundations.
