In memory of Eva Jakobsson Ung

She always lifted up those around her – colleagues and students alike

Eva Jakobsson Ung, our dear friend and colleague at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences, died suddenly on 10 May 2023.

Eva was a Professor of Nursing at our department for more than 20 years. Prior to that she worked as a nurse, mainly within emergency care, and as a member of teaching staff on the nursing program at the University of Skövde. She was one of the first doctoral students to be admitted to Sahlgrenska Academy’s third-cycle education in nursing science, and graduated in 2007.

With her deep knowledge of and insights into nursing and person-centered care, Eva made a strong contribution to the department’s way of carrying out both education and research. Her research initially focused on the conditions for equal palliative care, and eventually came to revolve around the effects and implementation of person-centered care. Eva was committed to educational issues, and had several assignments in which she contributed to the development of programs in various ways. For much of her employment, her role was combined with working at the Department of Internal Medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where she was involved in care development, research, further training, and teaching practice placements.

At the Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Eva worked as a researcher and was particularly involved in the development of patient participation in research, serving as Vice Chair of the GPCC’s Person Council. For a few years, Eva was also a member of Sahlgrenska Academy’s Ethical Council, in which she was an important voice and contributed to strengthening research ethics issues within the faculty. In recent years, she spoke with particular enthusiasm about colleagues and developments at the Medical Clinic, GPCC and its Person Council, and the Ethical Council. It was these activities that were, perhaps, closest to her heart. As for her personal life, she often spoke with pleasure about her grandchildren and the newest member of her family, her dog Frasse.

Eva was a strong and important source of support for her students, and many of us can testify to the fact that she was a much appreciated teacher, supervisor, seminar leader, and lecturer. She generously shared her important knowledge, and she always lifted up those around her – colleagues and students alike.

We will remember Eva for her warmth, her humor, her wisdom, her wealth of ideas, her charisma, and her kindness, and as a convincing force in her commitment to transforming healthcare in a more person-centered direction. She leaves a huge void behind her. Eva, we will miss you!

Karin Ahlberg, Head of Institute
Joakim Öhlén, former Director of GPCC
Monica Pettersson, Section Manager
and other colleagues at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences