Starting Saturday, December 14, 2024, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department has changed to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
Please plan for extra travel time when coming to the QEII Halifax Infirmary. As of February 18, the easternmost, northbound lane of Robie Street will be closed for the duration of the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project, leaving two lanes open. Expect potential delays and consider alternative routes when possible.
The Palliative Care Bereavement Service helps the family and friends of people who were cared for by the Palliative Care Program in Nova Scotia Health (NSH) Central Zone. We offer support like grief counseling, support groups, memorial services, and other helpful resources.
If you are grieving the death of someone who received care from the Palliative Care Service, please reach out. All services are free.
The team includes a full-time Bereavement Coordinator, a small team of Palliative Care Grief Resource Support volunteers and administrative support.
The Coordinator also provides grief information and education with the community, including the public, healthcare workers, and other groups.
Grief Support Groups
Grief support groups are places where you can talk about your feelings and learn helpful ways to cope with others who are also grieving. These groups are for friends and family (18 and older) of people who passed away while receiving Palliative Care.
There are different types of grief support groups to help different people. The Palliative Care Bereavement Service offers 7-week online groups. In these groups, you meet with the same people each week. You can contact us for a list of other support groups available.
Before joining, each person will have an online meeting with a group leader. This meeting is to explain what the group is like and answer any questions you have.
These groups follow the BC Bereavement Helpline's training and guide for traumatic loss support.
Upcoming Grief Support Groups:
Wednesdays from 6-8PM: February 19th, 2025 - April 2nd, 2025
Thursdays from 1-3PM: June 19th, 2025 - July 31st, 2025
For more information or to sign up, email czbereavement@nshealth.ca or call 902-473-1622.
Palliative Care Memorial Services
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the Palliative Care program hosts a memorial service to honor those who have passed away while under our care. Family, friends, and staff are welcome to attend.
The next memorial service will be on April 14th, 2025, at the Sackawa Canoe Club in Lower Sackville. It will be held with Oncology Services.
Those who attend are invited to bring a framed photo of your loved one. The photo will be placed at the front of the room during the service and returned to you afterward.
You can come alone or bring others with you. Children are welcome, but there is no childcare provided.
It will help us plan if we know how many people will attend. You don't need to register right now, just let us know when you're ready or simply come to the service. You will be warmly welcomed.
For more information or to register, please call (902) 220-4398 or email czbereavement@nshealth.ca.
Other Supports
Nova Scotia Health Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Program - Grief supports are offered through the MAiD Program. This includes free individual counseling and grief groups. This support can be accessed by calling 1-833-903-6243 or 902-491-5892.
Halifax Hospice Grief & Bereavement Programs
Bereaved Families of Nova Scotia
HealthyNS Grief 101 - 2 Week Program
Grief is a completely normal response to loss, and yet it can be one of the most difficult human experiences. This session will provide the opportunity to learn more about grief, including resources and supports that are available to you.
Tuesdays, January 28 and February 4, 2025 6:00 - 7:30pm
Victoria Building
Part of QEII Health Sciences Centre
1276 South Park Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Bereavement Coordinator’s office is in the Victoria General Hospital, on the Palliative Care Floor (Floor: 7A, Office: 055).
On Wednesdays grief counselling is available at Alderney Gate Public Library - 60 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth
On the fourth Friday of every month grief counseling is available at Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville
Grief and Bereavement Services can be accessed through self-referral by contacting the Bereavement Coordinator.
Contact
Palliative Care Bereavement Coordinator: Jocelyne Tranquilla
Phone: 902-473-1622
Email: CZbereavement@nshealth.ca
When you call the Bereavement Coordinator you can expect to speak with a kind professional who will explain the grief services available and answer any questions that you may have.