Some local families have been gifted with bricks from the old building as momentos to cement their fond memories. 

Christine Seery, who became involved with Friends of Nioka, said the gesture was a touching tribute. 

Her husband Eddie was in and out of Nioka for eight months before he passed away from prostate cancer. 

Mrs Seery’s grandchildren – Abby, Charlie and Annie – plan to use the bricks to build a garden in the memory of their Poppy. 

“It will be a momento of that time,” Mrs Seery said. 

“It had a very special meaning to all of us. My husband was so well looked after there.

“It was just a wonderful place ... I reckon it’s unique.”

She said the staff and atmosphere of Nioka eased the difficult period for her family and was most grateful they welcomed Mr Seery’s grandchildren – “who meant the world to him” – when they visited. 

She was hopeful the new palliative care unit would retain the warmth and care of the old one. 

Friends of Nioka president Bryan Singh extended his heartfelt thanks to the hospital and to Richard Crookes Constructions for salvaging the bricks. 

“We really appreciate the fact that (they) took the time out to clean the bricks up,” Mr Singh said. 

“It was not part of the contract, they just did it for those families.

“With the new ward coming on, there is a bit of nostalgia about the old building being demolished.

“The bricks pave a way for people wanting to remember that time in their life. It’s a sad time and one of transition.”

Palliative Care Week service

Friends of Nioka will host their annual memorial service during Palliative Care Week. 

A short service will be conducted by Rev Tony Winter and locals can light a candle in memory of a loved on. 

Aunty Jax has donated balloons, on which people can write messages before they are released into the air. 

An afternoon tea will be held shortly afterwards. 

The memorial service will take place at 1.30pm (for 2pm) on Saturday, May 30, at the City Uniting Church on Marius St, near the train station.