The Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce may soon have a new home.
A conditional offer has been made on a property near the southeast corner of 10th St. and 16th Ave. E in Owen Sound.
The area is adjacent to the hospital and across the road from the current temporary location in Seasons.
Executive Director Scott Lovell says it's ideal, and they are optimistic the sale can be completed depending on re-zoning, servicing agreements, and an environmental assessment on the site.
He says the goal is to become a centre of excellence in end-of-life care and a space designed for that purpose will help ensure success.
“We have learned a lot about what our needs are for the future,” says Scott. “In a new facility we will be able to design rooms specific to patient and family need, keeping the best ideas from our temporary location like having a bedroom for families to stay, while improving the physical layout to enhance the patient experience.”
The cash outlay for the hospice is just half of the actual acquisition price due to a generous donation agreement with the property owner.
Since opening in May of 2013, the residential hospice has provided end-of-life care to 150 patients from across Grey and Bruce counties.
The hospice is at an average of 87 per cent occupancy in the current fiscal year.
“We are excited about the possibility and potential of this property,” says Hospice Board Chair Rob Cordell. “It has incredible features that will contribute to the patient and family experience, it is located close to other health services, and it will help ensure the ongoing sustainability of our operation. There are still some hurdles that our board will need to clear before finalizing the deal, but we’re optimistic that working with our partners we can get there.”