St. Joseph's Hospice is getting a funding boost from the Ontario government.
The Ministry of Health has announced a one time payment of $236,500 to the Sarnia facility as part of a $13.7 million province-wide investment.
The money will be used for nursing, personal support, and other services delivered to patients. It's intended to support and sustain existing residential hospice capacity, through an increased operational funding rate for ministry approved and open beds.
Hospice Executive Director Kelly Chartrand welcomed the news.
"The funding will alleviate budgetary constraints allowing St. Joseph’s Hospice to continue with the necessary care and services it provides to our residents and their families," said Chartrand. "We can continue to do what we do best -provide compassionate end-of-life care for individuals and their families through 24/7 specialized nursing, caregiver support, pain and symptom management services and bereavement support."
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey commented on the announcement.
“On behalf of Ontario’s Ministry of Health, it is my pleasure to provide this important funding to St. Joseph’s Hospice, which will support and sustain existing residential hospice capacity,” said MPP Bailey. “Our government recognizes the critical role that St. Joseph’s Hospice plays in bringing the best quality of life to the patients they serve in Sarnia-Lambton, as well as supporting patients’ families during the difficult end-of-life journey. This funding will ensure that the hospice is able to meet these challenges by providing nursing, personal support, and other services to patients."
The Ontario government said it's working to expand palliative care services in local communities and adding 23 new hospice beds to the 500 beds already available across the province.