Midwestern

Huron Perth Hospice Beds Announced For Clinton And Stratford

The South West LHIN has allocated six hospice beds in Stratford and four hospice beds in Central Huron.

The Residential Hospice Stratford Perth Steering Committee is thrilled with Tuesday's announcement that the LHIN will provide the operational funding for the beds.

The Rotary Club of Stratford initiated the project along with the city, and provided financial support to help secure the approval.

The committee has been working on the plan for three years, and are ready to move forward to the design and build stage. A new Stratford Perth Hospice Site Committee has been created.

The site committee will be building a ten bed facility so future needs can be accommodated as indicated by demographic projections.

Kathy O'Reilly, chair of the Huron Residential Hospice Palliative Site Committee,  is excited to move ahead with plans for a four bed residential hospice in Central Huron.

The Southwest Local Health Integration Network has announced four beds would receive operational funding in Central Huron.

O'Reilly says a rural site near Clinton has been identified and negotiations are underway to secure the land.

“This is very exciting news for the residents of Huron as it ensures that every person will have access to high quality residential hospice palliative care that is within a reasonable distance from wherever they reside. The development of a unified Huron Perth solution for residential hospice will enhance already existing high quality palliative care programs and services and build upon current partnerships and programs that exist in both counties” says O’Reilly.

She says residents will have hospice care within a reasonable distance no matter where they live in the county.

The plan is for a six bed facility to allow for future needs. The model will focus on high quality physician-led care with on site nursing, and support staff.

The model will also incorporate the provision of day care and respite care programs, bereavement programs, pastoral care, volunteer visiting programs as well as access to outreach services including pain and symptom management resources.

“The rural setting of the hospice further embraces the essence of Huron County given the agricultural and natural aspects of the site. It will be a place of living and a place to celebrate life as well as a place of care and support for patients at end of life and their families,” says Dr. Agnes Kluz, a member of the Huron site development committee and a Huron County family physician with advanced training in hospice palliative care.

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