QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
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 a place where people can meet to talk about their grief with others and learn helpful skills and information. These groups are for friends and family (over the age of 18) of people who died while receiving care from a Palliative Care Service.
There are different types of grief support groups to meet the needs of different people. The groups offered by the Palliative Care Bereavement Service are 7-week closed groups, which means you meet with the same people for 7 weeks. Right now, these groups are held online. You can contact us to learn about other grief groups that may be available.
Before joining, each person will have a meeting with one of the group leaders by phone or online. This meeting is to explain what the group is like and answer any questions you may have.
The groups are based on the BC Bereavement Helpline Traumatic Loss Support Group facilitator training and Resource Guide
The next Grief Support Group will take place from February 19th, 2025 - April 2nd, 2025 from 6-8PM. It will be held over 7 consecutive weeks. It will be a virtual group that will be over Zoom. If you'd like more information, please contact us.
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
Government of Canada information about Palliative Care Grief Support
Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Grief Support
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.
This pamphlet describes how you may feel after the death of a loved one. Topics include physical changes, emotions, what you can do, and grief. This pamphlet is also available in French.
Although your grief is unique to your relationship with the person who died, there are some common themes. Our staff, volunteers, and bereaved people have identified 10 things as important in understanding your grief. This pamphlet is also available in French.
This pamphlet has suggestions about dealing with common challenges you may face when you are grieving. This pamphlet is also available in French.
This pamphlet explains how you can help when your child is coping with disease, dying, the death of a loved one, and grief. This pamphlet is also available in French.