Earlier this month, our team at Gabrielle Jennings Centre demonstrated exceptional patient-centred care by organising a smoking ceremony for a patient with only two hours’ notice.
This ceremony, deeply rooted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions, was a profound way to honour the patient’s cultural practices and final wishes.
The Significance of the Smoking Ceremony
Smoking ceremonies are an important cultural practice for many Aboriginal families, helping to cleanse and guide the spirit of the deceased. This ceremony was not only a testament to our commitment to respecting cultural traditions but also a powerful reminder of the holistic care we strive to provide.
Team Effort and Collaboration
The success of this ceremony was made possible by the incredible efforts of multiple teams, including the Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer and palliative care teams. Their swift coordination and dedication ensured that the ceremony was conducted with the utmost respect and care, fulfilling the patient’s final wishes.
Family Reflections
The family members of the patient shared heartfelt reflections on what the ceremony meant to them and their loved one:
Cherie (daughter): “My mother receiving her smoking ceremony to be cleansed spiritually and physically feels like she had come full circle. We are so appreciative.”
Suzanne (daughter): “Organising this at short notice and pulling it off was the best thing that happened. My mum getting her final wishes was so beautiful in every way. I will be forever grateful to your team and Brooke, the trainee nurse, for the way she held my mother and spoke to her.”
Taylah Smith (granddaughter): “The smoking ceremony was a beautiful and memorable experience. It reminded me how to ground myself and felt as if it cleansed my soul. It was beautiful and peaceful; she is now free and in such a better place.”
Joy (daughter): “The smoking ceremony brought me a deep sense of peace and connection, helping me feel closer to her and the memories we shared.”
Pippa (granddaughter): “Letting my nan go in the way she wanted and seeing her glow during the ceremony made me at peace that she was going to be okay.”
Commitment to Patient-Centred Care
This ceremony exemplifies our unwavering commitment to delivering patient-centred care. By honouring the cultural practices and wishes of our patients, we ensure that their final moments are filled with dignity, respect, and love.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this ceremony possible. Your dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on the patient’s family and our community.
