On May 5, 2026. during National Hospice Palliative Care Week, the Aboyne Rural Hospice celebrated over 100 amazing individuals who “pioneered” the outstanding compassionate palliative care in Centre and North Wellington over the past decades.
One of many highlights of the event was the display of reflections shared by palliative care team members including volunteers. We plan to share these at community events and in the Newsletter, as each reflection speaks to the outstanding compassionate palliative care provided by caring teams.
‘A call for equitable access to quality care for every community ‘ is the 2026 Palliative Care Week theme, and it truly aligned with this heartwarming and amazing celebration.
Sincere thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to the celebration, Whiffle Tree Nursery, The Food Forest, Riverside Events Centre, Friends of Aboyne Rural Hospice and the planning committee.
Some reflections of participants:
“In my career as a palliative care nurse, I was often amazed at the strength and resilience of my patients and their loved ones, when faced with such difficult situations. I count it a privilege to have been part of their care team and to have supported them at such an intimate time in their lives.”
“My one, of many cherished memories is of a young boy we were palliating at home. Just days before he passed away, he told us he had seen Heaven and it was AWESOME, and he wanted to go there now because Heaven was AWESOME! I will never forget this amazing little boy and his wonderful parents.”
“My words of wisdom when supporting someone requiring palliative care would be, to bring a sense of calm, to listen with all your senses, and to do your best to provide patient centered care, as part of a team approach.” S.L.
