The Willow Room: A Place of Peace
A tree that bends without breaking, the willow tree is a symbol of sorrow and mourning, but also rebirth, resilience and hope.
Embodying these values, the “Willow Room” is a dedicated space within Logan Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) providing peace amongst the chaos.
Created out of compassion, the Willow Room is a space for palliated patients who are unable to be transferred to the Palliative Care Ward, giving patients and their families privacy and dignity.
Narelle Vasterink was the driving force behind this project and is the Emergency Access Guidance and Logistics Expert at the Emergency Department Logan Hospital.
She explained that the Logan Hospital community supported the initiative through a naming competition, inviting both consumer advisors and staff to submit nominations. Dr Leena Moisander’s submission, “Willow Room,” was ultimately selected.
“We were also privileged to have David Sloan, one of our consumer advisors, join the selection panel. His input, wisdom, and lived experience were invaluable and greatly appreciated by the ED End of Life Working Group,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for the Logan Hospital Fund who provided a grant for the room, which was put towards built in cupboards among other items. These cupboards are used to store blankets and Lisa’s Lunch Boxes (care packages of donated items for families who are unable to leave their loved ones). The room also contains prints and curtains to help create a more ‘peaceful and comforting environment’.
Narelle revealed that the Willow Room “has been a wonderful initiative within the Emergency Department and one I have been incredibly proud to lead — providing a beautiful and compassionate space.”
Sana Demirovic also played a key role in making this project come to fruition. She expressed her gratitude to the donors who made the Willow Room happen.
“To our donors, thank you. Your generosity has directly shaped the experience of patients and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Because of your support, the Willow Room is not just a clinical space — it is a place of dignity, comfort, and compassion,” she said.
“The cupboards, furnishings, and thoughtful touches you have helped provide ensure that families can remain close to their loved ones without worrying about practical needs.”
“Your contributions enable us to care not only for patients, but for the people who love them. That impact is profound, lasting, and deeply appreciated by our entire Emergency Department team.”
When asked about the significance of having a space like the Willow Room available to the patient’s families this was Sana’s response,
“For families, the Willow Room offers privacy, calm, and the opportunity to be fully present with their loved one.
“In an environment that is often fast-paced and clinical, this space provides a sense of peace and respect. It allows families to grieve, reflect, and share meaningful moments together in a setting designed with compassion in mind.”
As for the ED staff she explained, “the Willow Room represents our commitment to holistic, patient- and family-centred care.
“It gives our team the ability to provide end-of-life care in a way that aligns with our values — with dignity, empathy, and humanity. Knowing that we can offer such a space brings comfort to staff as well, reinforcing that even in the busiest of departments, there is always room for compassion.”
It is only thanks to the wonderful donors of the Logan Hospital Fund that this project was made possible. You can help give patients and their families compassion and dignity by making the Logan Hospital Fund your place to give here.
