Finally official
Valley hospice moving forward, expected to open in 2019
A new residential hospice could be open in the Annapolis Valley by 2019, Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine announced Aug. 18.
The announcement indicated the new facility will have up to 10 beds and will be located on the grounds of the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville.
Construction will begin in 2017, as soon as the design phase is complete.
Under a recent agreement signed between the Valley Hospice Foundation and Nova Scotia Health Authority, the foundation will contribute up to $3.3 million to pay for construction costs. The authority will pay an estimated $1.7 million per year to maintain and operate it.
“Residents of the Annapolis Valley have been working tirelessly on this project for over a decade, and soon their dedication will pay off,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “The hurricane just picked up more steam.”
McNeil said the Liberal government is “committed to this delivery of end-of-life care,” and added that he looks forward to working with hospice societies and other Health minister Leo Glavine was happy to help make the official announcement on the Valley hospice on Aug. 18. partners across the province to plan the future of palliative care in Nova Scotia.
“There is overwhelming support from our local communities and foundations. It is clear that this venture is one we all have imagined. At the end, we all would like the opportunity to die with dignity, surrounded by family, friends and a caring palliative care team,” said Diana Patterson, who chairs the hospice foundation. “We are thrilled that our vision for hospice will soon become a reality in the Annapolis Valley.”
Right now, almost 60 per cent of Nova Scotians die in hospital, said Glavine. Unlike some other regional hospitals, the Valley Regional Hospital does not currently have a palliative care unit, but care is provided in other areas of the hospital.
A stand-alone 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 can cook meals together in a hospice, pets can visit, and spouses can stay overnight.
“This agreement helps further the vision of the 2014 provincial palliative care strategy, that all Nova Scotians can access integrated, culturally competent, quality palliative care,” said Tricia Cochrane, vice-president of the integrated health services program, Nova Scotia Health Authority.
“Nova Scotians have a range of needs at the end of life,” she said. “This hospice will be a significant resource to support the needs of residents in the Annapolis Valley.”
Many thanks were handed out by McNeil and Glavine to health care workers, local governments and volunteers in the Valley.
The premier noted that palliative care beds in Annapolis Royal and Middleton will remain open.
While pleased with the news, Kings North MLA John Lohr said in a press release that he is disappointed that the hospice won’t be open until 2019.
“A three-year build window seems too long considering how long the community has waited already,” he said. “I am also concerned that dialysis was not mentioned in this announcement, despite being a key component of the original plan. Minister Glavine must address this and state once and for all if a dialysis facility is coming to the Annapolis Valley and when.”
This is the second stand-alone hospice announced in the province this year. Hospice Halifax plans to open a 10-bed facility next December.
The Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus held as many as 60 meetings this week in Kings and Hants counties.
The Aug. 16-18 sessions included meetings with local community leaders, businesses, community groups, and municipal officials as part of ongoing outreach efforts, said Kings South MLA Keith Irving.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for both our caucus members and the residents of these areas,” said Irving.
“I’m very proud to be hosting Premier McNeil, ministers, and my caucus colleagues. It’s important for us to get out into the community and meet with the people we were elected to serve.”
The meetings, he said, “represent an invaluable opportunity for government members to hear, first hand, about the issues facing the people of Kings and Hants counties.”
Four caucus sessions are held outside of the metro Halifax area every year. The 30 members of cabinet have met in Liverpool and Baddeck most recently.