Carlisle Cathedral has supported a memorial service for those who have passed away at the Cumberland Infirmary’s intensive care unit (ICU).
Before COVID the ICU memorial service was been held annually for 18 years and has been an integral part of supporting relatives following the death of a loved one, with positive feedback from all attending.
Victoria Morgan, Nurse on ICU at the Cumberland Infirmary said: “Due to the recent pandemic we have been unable to hold the service for the last two years, but this year we have been able to recommence this, with a special service at Carlisle Cathedral. The service remembered those who sadly died on the unit between August 2019 and July 2021.”
“The service was well attended by over 250 family members and friends of patients. It was a very emotional night for everyone involved, and provided closure not only to families, but also the ICU staff.
“At the end of the service, we held refreshments which allowed families to speak to the ITU staff - with visiting restrictions within the trust, there were a lot of families that we never met - we either spoke to them via zoom or a telephone call.”
“We would like thank Carlisle Cathedral and everyone involved in making the memorial service so special, especially Canon Michael and the cathedral’s choir and organist.”
Some of the attendees had lovely feedback for the team:
One said: “The intensive care staff from the hospital were brilliant at their memorial service last night at the cathedral. It must have been very difficult to stand up and do heartfelt readings and read all the names of the deceased patients from the last few years. Their work is outstanding and they care for families as well as staff so very well. Well done to them all. It was very appreciated by the attendees.”
Another gave thanks: “I would like to say a big thankyou to the intensive care unit at Carlisle for the service they put on last night for people who lost their loved ones. To say this was amazing service is an understatement I can't describe how touched you made each and everyone in the cathedral last night feel. You are true heroes that go above and beyond. Thank you from myself and my family and each and every person there last night.”
The service was held on 5th May.