But the connection between the renal unit staff at Griffith Base Hospital and the patients they care for was proven a bond like no other on Sunday.

Having lost two of their own within a year of each other, renal stream manager Kelly Marchioni, renal Aboriginal liaison officer Andrew Paynter and ward clerk Rume Ataake decided to hold a memorial service with their patients' families.

Mark Piccinin lost his mother in January to kidney failure. He said having the staff go above and beyond made her last days as good possible in the situation.

"They just couldn't do enough," Mr Piccinin said.

"The respect they have for the patients, and for my mother the two years she was there, it will never be forgotten."

Keeping in touch after patients passing, but sometimes being unable to attend the funeral, Ms Marchioni said the idea for holding the service came about in order for them to share memories in solidarity.

"Patients have a lot of treatment in the renal unit, and end up spending a lot of time there," she explained.

"This is a way for us to bring everyone together, share that connection and reflect on the deep relationships that we formed."

With some patients spending years in renal, with one patient frequenting over nine years, the staff and patients become like an extended family.

Mr Paynter said he wasn't sure how many would turn up for the service, but was overwhelmed at the amount of people who showed up.

"It has been incredibly supportive and positive. We just want them to know we are here to support them, that we are all in this together."

The renal staff lost two of their own within a year of each other, Nurse Unit Manager Anna Pokai and her second in command Keresi Leweniqila.

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Ms Ataake said the shock of losing someone who worked so closely with everyone took a while to sink in.

"It takes a soft heart to work in renal, or to be a nurse in general, and while Anna was stern, she was amazingly supportive of the staff, compassionate with the patients, and her passing was a huge loss for us."

This service at St Vincent's Private Hospital's chapel, which is now set to become an annual event, was in loving memory of:

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