Event offers chance to remember Goulburn's Saint John of God Hospital

A 'reflective and symbolic' event will be held at the facility from 5.30pm to to 6.30pm to celebrate its contribution to the city's health care over 105 years.

Services at the 12-bed Marian Unit, best known for its palliative care, have transitioned to the redeveloped Goulburn Base Hospital, along with many of its 30 staff.

READ MORE:

Reflecting on a 105-year legacy as Goulburn's Marian Unit closure approaches

Health district shuts Bourke Street's Marian Unit ahead of schedule

Senior nurse manager John Gale said Monday's event was a celebration of the Marian Unit's role in local health care.

"People have many memories, whether that's of people getting better, caring for loved ones or them passing away there," he said.

"Saint John's has always been there and has provided excellent care to the people of Goulburn."

It is also an opportunity for staff, many of them long serving, to reflect on their time and the facility's place in local history.

ALSO READ: Community groups question candidates about attitudes to the environment

The Marian Unit was built in the early 1990s but Saint John of God Hospital was established in 1905 by the Sisters of the same order. In-patient care was a hallmark up until November 18 this year when the Southern NSW Local Health District closed the Marian Unit a week earlier than expected.

Mr Gale acknowledged that many people were grieving the closure.

The farewell will acknowledge this loss as well as pain and joy. It will include a candle lighting ceremony for people who hold significant memories. These will be lit from the Saint John of God 'centenary candle,' which will be alight only for that night. A time of reflection will follow.

The second activity is the 'bowl of tears,' where stones will be used to represent the memories of events or loved ones now gone. These will be placed in a large bowl of water.

ALSO READ: "Unsafe to drive": Roads leading to Tarago 'need urgent care'

"Each stone when placed in the bowl will cause it to overflow representing the tears we still shed for the memories we hold," Mr Gale said.

Finally, a 'tree of reflection' will offer people the chance to pen their memories of what the facility meant to them on a card to be placed on a 'goodbye' branch of a tree on the BSHS site. These notes will then be collected and placed in the centenary time capsule along with a written message from the Order of Saint John.

ALSO READ: Boost to social and affordable housing in town

An electronic photo presentation with music will be shown.

People will be invited to step into the adjoining garden and grotto if they wish to reflect further.

Due to Covid requirements only double vaxed people will be allowed to attend and mask wearing will be compulsory. Social distancing will be monitored by COVID marshals and check-in and sign-out QR codes will apply.

The event will be held in the BSHS car park.

Do you have something to say about this issue? Send a letter to the editor. Click here for the Goulburn Post