Today, Friday, April 16, 2021, marks five years since the Chatham-Kent Hospice opened their doors offering residential hospice care to people at end of life.
“It is amazing that we have reached our five year anniversary,” stated Jessica Smith, executive director, in a media release.
“Thank you very much to the Chatham-Kent Community for making that possible. It’s been an honour to care for local families and we will continue to be here for families when they need us.”
To date, the Chatham-Kent Hospice have cared for over 860 residents and their families.
The project to build and operate a residential hospice started in 2013 when operating funds were secured for a 10 bed residential hospice.
A capital campaign was launched in 2014 to raise $5-million to build, as well as set up, a sustainability fund.
The community rallied and raised almost $6-million and construction began in April of 2015.
Almost a year to the day, the Chatham-Kent Hospice accepted it’s first resident and family.
Chatham-Kent Hospice receives partial funding from the Provincial government, which covers approximately 50% of the annual operating budget.
The balance of the budget is covered through generous donations from the community.
The Hospice utilizes close to 200 volunteers to extend it’s impact, Hospice officials say.
Volunteers fill a variety of roles and are an essential part of the Hospice Care Team.
The other key members of the care team include: the doctors, nurses, PSW’s and support staff.
They, along with the volunteers, work as a team to provide compassionate, end-of-life care to residents and their families, Hospice officials added.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have stepped up even more to ensure that families continue to receive the best end of-life care possible.
Recently, grief and bereavement support has been added to the services offered at Hospice.
There is a great need for these supports in the community and Hospice wants to do their part to help people in their grief journey.
Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington, presented the Chatham-Kent Hospice with a five year anniversary certificate and Mayor Darrin Canniff sent his congratulations on behalf of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
