Two NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals have been recognised for their commitment to supporting staff who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria have been awarded the Bereavement Charter Mark by the UK Commission on Bereavement.
It follows a collaborative effort with the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care and the Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief alliance, and builds on the pioneering work of Inverclyde Royal Hospital, which became the first hospital in Scotland to receive the charter in 2023.
Healthcare staff are often at the forefront of offering compassion and support to patients and their families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
But when these same staff members experience bereavement themselves, they too need care and understanding.
For many working at the RAH and Vale of Leven Hospital, which are both deeply rooted in their local communities, grief can be especially complex.
Staff may find themselves caring for friends, neighbours, or even family members, and returning to work after such a loss can be emotionally challenging.
And in some cases, the nature of their work can be a painful reminder of their own loss, particularly if a loved one has passed away in the same hospital or from a similar condition to a patient they are treating or caring for.
Recognising this, both hospitals have taken meaningful steps to ensure that all staff are supported with empathy and equity.
A dedicated working group was formed to guide the hospitals’ journey toward the charter mark.
The group included staff from a wide range of departments and roles, ensuring that the support structures reflect the real needs of the workforce. A staff survey was also conducted to gather insights and shape the approach.
As a result of this work, dedicated quiet rooms have been established to provide reflective spaces for staff returning to work after a bereavement.
Guidance for managers and senior staff has also been developed to help them support grieving colleagues with sensitivity and consistency.
The initiative was led by Louise Chittick, Healthcare Chaplain at the RAH, and supported by Jeanette Peel, healthcare chaplain at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, who brought valuable experience from IRH’s own bereavement charter journey.
This recognition is a testament to the hospitals’ commitment to creating compassionate workplaces where staff wellbeing is prioritised.
Ms Chittick said: “Working in healthcare means we often walk alongside patients and families during deeply emotional times. But when our own staff experience bereavement, especially in a close-knit community like ours, the impact can be profound.
“The Bereavement Charter recognises the importance of supporting our colleagues with compassion and care.
“I’m proud of the way staff from all areas came together to shape this work. It is a testament to the empathy and solidarity that exists across our hospitals.”