THE Royal Blackburn Hospital has boosted its support for grieving families by holding its first memorial service to remember patients who died in the critical care unit.

About 60 relatives attended the 30-minute non-religious service earlier this month, in a new initiative which is thought to be the first of its kind in the North West.

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It comes after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission raised concerns about a lack of help for grieving relatives at the hospital, which has also now employed a bereavement co-ordinator.

Sister Linda Gregson, a critical care nurse who organised the service, said: “The loss of a family member is a truly devastating experience for any family to have to go through.

“We hope this service offered a peaceful way of helping people remember their loved ones and share their experiences.”

Family members attending the 30-minute service heard several emotional readings, signed the ‘Critical Care Memorial’ book of condolence and were each presented with a white rose as a symbol of everlasting love.

Linda added: “Many families find comfort in the fact they are able to share their loss with other people who have gone through a similar experience to them.

“Invitations to our inaugural memorial service went to families whose loved ones passed away on the CCU during the first six months of 2014.

“We plan to hold memorial services twice a year and invite families once they have been given an appropriate period of time to grieve.”