Linda Bellemore, 2015

File — Box: 1, Folder: 3

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Sister Linda Bellemore spent six years working with the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Salt Lake City. She was assigned to visit recently discharged elderly patients when the AIDS epidemic struck. Because of her background in nursing and her desire to serve the population, Sister Bellemore decided to be a part of starting a service to care for people with HIV/AIDS. The service was called the Continuity of Care Program. She describes her responsibilities at the hospital and tells stories of caring for particular patients. Sister Bellemore also talks about the dynamics in the hospital and patients’ relationships with their families, as well as her efforts to maintain confidentiality for patients and families. She talks about the team of care providers she worked with in the program, as well as the many other community services in Salt Lake who worked together to provide care. In addition, she details the needs and the physical and emotional issues people with AIDS experienced and describes the various demographics of those affected by the disease. Sister Bellemore developed close relationships with many of the patients. She talks about how her work at Holy Cross Hospital taught her lessons and added beauty to her life.
Interviewed by Elizabeth Clement.

Dates

2015

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.