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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - The North Shore’s first free-standing hospice opened today thanks to $8.5 million raised in the community by Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, Family Services of the North Shore and Lions Gate Hospice Society. A further $1.7 million yearly pledge from the Ministry of Health Services will cover the new facility’s on-going operating costs. “The North Shore Hospice stands as a testament to community partnership,” said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. “Hospice care is about providing a commitment to the whole person – the physical, emotional, social and spiritual – and helping individuals who are dying to face their death with personal integrity in a way that makes sense to them.” The 15,000 square foot facility sits on property that was donated for hospice use by Vancouver Coastal Health. “We are so grateful to the more than 5,000 individuals, organizations and community groups who made this campaign such a success”, said Joanne Houssian, campaign chair. “It is through the generosity of the community that construction of the hospice was made possible.” Now complete, the hospice will contain 15 spacious and private rooms that include cable TV, internet hook-up, ceiling lifts and a family area. The shared gathering areas include a living room and kitchen, a healing garden and sacred space. The new hospice is the first fully solar heated and powered facility in Vancouver Coastal Health. Additionally, wood was used extensively in the building’s design, following B.C.’s Wood First initiative. “We are grateful for the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation’s hard work to raise the $8.5 million and the outstanding generosity of the community,” said North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto. In keeping with the palliative care philosophy of helping people live until the day they die, the North Shore Hospice will also offer a day program to palliative patients. In addition to educating patients about symptom management, the program will also provide access to the hospice’s in-house services and features. For instance, patient can book a podiatrist appointment or come to the hospice to use the life-equipped baths if bathing at home becomes difficult. The program also provides respite to caregivers. The 12-week palliative day program can accommodate 32 patients per week, and is the first of its kind in Western Canada. “Everyone deserves to die with dignity, supported by family and friends, in an environment like the North Shore Hospice that allows them to live out their remaining days in peace and comfort,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan. Hospice construction began last August, and patients will begin moving into the facility on Nov. 1, 2010. “Our population is aging and a hospice is an important option for end-of-life care when it’s not always possible or manageable at such difficult times to provide a home environment for a family member,” said North Vancouver-Seymour Jane Thornthwaite VCH will own and manage the facility, and will partner with Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, Lions Gate Hospice Society and Family Services of the North Shore to support stable, terminally ill patients and families in their journey through end-of-life care in a quiet home-like setting. The hospice’s Resource Centre will provide program services for family caregivers. “This will be a place of peace and support where dying people and their families will be provided with a coordinated program of palliative and supportive services that focus on maintaining the quality of remaining life,” said Wendy Hansson, Chief Operating Officer, VCH-Coastal. “We are grateful for the outstanding community support and the leadership shown by our foundation and our partners in providing this essential service for the community.” Prior to the opening of the North Shore Hospice today, patients on the North Shore accessed end-of-life care at Lions Gate Hospital. On any given day at Lions Gate Hospital, 20 per cent of patients admitted to an acute care bed that could better benefit from palliative care provided by the new freestanding North Shore Hospice. In addition to the highest quality patient care, the new hospice features leading-edge design that is consistent with standards set by Community Care Facilities Licensing. The facility is also LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. VCH is responsible for the delivery of $2.9 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities, including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. Vancouver Coastal Health
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