A dignified remembrance with new bereavement bags

A range of bereavement bags featuring artwork by Victorian children and craft groups is being rolled out at Western Health. 

They replace the standard plastic bags that have been used to return a patient’s belongings to their loved ones after they die.  

Monique Sammut, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Bacchus Marsh and Aged General Medicine and Subacute Services (AGMS) division said the bags reflect the respectful way that our teams engage with patients at the end of their loved one’s life.  

Monique contacted the Handover HeARTwork project, a charity that provides uniquely designed carriers created by school children.  

Each paper bag features a drawing from a student at a secondary college or craft groups and the words: ‘our thoughts are with you.’  

The charity was started by a palliative care nurse, who wanted to ensure health services had a more dignified way to receive their loved one’s belongings.   

‘I hope that these bags provide some comfort to grieving families when they receive their loved one’s belongings,’ Monique said. 

Find out more about the bags on the Handover HeARTwork website.