PE Health Team steps up with interim assistance for Hospice

UPDATE JULY 2 – Prince Edward Hospice is working with the Prince Edward Family Health team to shore up day-to-day business following the  resignations of board members and the interim executive director.

Writing as Interim President, Chair of the Board of Directors and also as a fellow hospice volunteer, Birgit Langwisch updated volunteers in a letter, also signed by Mary Camp, treasurer.

“One of our closest  community partners, the Prince Edward Family Health Team, is now providing interim management support and while final details are yet to be determined, Hospice Prince Edward is very pleased to announce that Prince Edward Family Health Team, Executive Director Stephanie MacLaren has been named Interim Executive Director and Resident Services Manager for Hospice Prince Edward.”

Langswisch said MacLaren will devote part of her time every week managing both the hospice programs and providing support and assistance through the transition and steps into the future.

“I want you to know what’s happening at HPE, particularly in the light of the recent resignations and remarks in the media suggesting that HPE is no longer a viable organization. It is very much alive!” she stated.

Langwisch explained she and treasurer Mary Camp are the two remaining board members and because the bylaws make no mention of a minimum number of board members, she and I still represent a legally-constituted board of directors.

“Of course, we need to bring board numbers back to a full complement (11), but over the last two days, our focus has been to put an interim plan in place that effectively supports you, the volunteers, as well as our wonderful staff and, of course, the residents and clients in this community who are the main reason we volunteer our time and energy in the first place.

“Right now, we are able to make only limited and interim decisions until we establish a new quorum of board members, so that will remain our focus at present. We will, however make every effort to up-date you regularly and welcome your coming to the hospice to meet Stephanie over the next few days and weeks.

“We are profoundly grateful for your steadfast and passionate support and the commitment of this amazing community to the vision of hospice. We are also committed to working with you on the issues raised at the public community meeting on Monday, June 29th, including a discussion of the bylaws.”

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Hospice still viable despite resignations: interim president

UPDATE JULY 1 – “Our community needs to know that Hospice Prince Edward  is alive and kicking,” said Birgit Langwisch, interim president and board chairman.

“The Hospice Prince Edward legal counsel states the board is indeed still a legal and viable entity and we are putting plans in place to cover the administrative and residential aspects of the Hospice Prince Edward Foundation,” she said.

A full news release will be forthcoming as soon as details have been confirmed.

President, secretary, interim director resign

JUNE 30 – Hospice president Linda Middleton and secretary Debbie MacDonald Moynes resigned from the Hospice Prince Edward board of directors today.  Interim director Angela Jodoin resigned from her position this afternoon.
Just two members remain – past president Birgit Langwisch and treasurer Mary Camp.

Countylive is told there will be hospice staff at the residence every day and volunteers are also on duty.

The resignations follow a community meeting hosted by the hospice volunteers Monday night at the Community Centre in Picton. The volunteers, noting concern over the resignation last month of executive director Nancy Parks, said her departure left unanswered questions concerning the direction of Hospice, its leadership and relationship with outside agencies. About 250 people attended.

Linda Middleton

Middleton, in an email, stated that after careful consideration she decided to step away from Hospice Prince Edward Foundation and the corporation.

“When asked if I could step into the Chair position in January, for a short period of time, I understood that the board was becoming a Governance Board and that the duties would be light. I do believe that some good strong bridges have been built with CCAC over the past few months and that they will continue to be a supportive part of our palliative care operation.  At this time in my life I do not feel that I have further time to commit to reorganizing these current issues.”

Over the years, Middleton has been chair of fund development, a member of the public relations committee, co-chair of the Hike for Hospice and of the Autumn Leaves Gala Auction.

Updates as they become available.