It was another positive step forward for Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
The facility off John Street which is set to open in September 2019, was going to start with only six beds, but today thanks to more provincial funding, the facility will be able to open with 10 beds.
“They worked hard in the initial stages, they had a really good case to build 10 beds, sadly the province had previously told them they were cut off at six, but they had the foresight to build 10 beds and the construction that is going on is for 10 with the hopes that the province would come around and see it their way and fund the 10 beds,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli who made the announcement this morning.
The province will be providing an additional $800,000 in capital funding to increase the number of beds from the six originally allocated, and $1,050,000 in ongoing base operating funding annually.
Mathilde Bazinet, the chair of the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, was thrilled with the funding announcement. However, she says Hospice officials were never going to waver despite the previous funding shortfall.
“We were not going to attempt, we were going to succeed in raising that money,” noted Bazinet.
“The community has been so supportive it has been phenomenal and that is what encouraged us to go on and continue.”
Hospice care focuses on relieving suffering and providing services like psychological, spiritual and bereavement support.
“We’re creating more beds and spaces to alleviate the pressures on our health care system. “Everyone should have access to dignified end-of-life care that respects the wishes of the patient and their loved ones,” said Fedeli, who has made personal donations to the local hospice.
“That’s why I am proud our government is committed to improving access to comfortable, end-of-life care in communities across the province including here in Nipissing.”
