A new provincial policy framework will support future options for hospice care.
This means the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County will be able to begin negotiations with the province to establish one.
“We want to help make a home-like environment possible for more people at the end of their lives. A hospice provides an option for those who can’t die at home,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We appreciate there are other communities that wish to explore their options. This framework will help them do that.”
A hospice offers a homelike setting for people with a terminal illness who are unable to spend their last months or weeks at home. For example, families could cook meals together in a hospice, spouses could stay overnight and pets could visit.
“A hospice residence in Cape Breton is important to our community and we are encouraged by this government’s commitment to hospice across the province,” said Patricia Jackson, co-chair, Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. “We look forward to beginning negotiations to make hospice a reality in Cape Breton.”
There are two hospices now approved for construction in the province. Hospice Halifax plans to open a 10-bed facility in December 2017. Valley Hospice Foundation plans to begin construction this year on a facility, with up to 10 beds and an expected opening in 2019.
Palliative care support is also offered in homes across the province, by palliative care teams and paramedics working with other health-care providers.
Source: Release