Local hospices appreciate funding top-up for care services

Jennifer May-Anderson, Hospice Quinte executive director with Todd Smith, MPP Bay of Quinte and Sandra Barnes, Hastings Prince Edward Hospice executive director.

Additional funding for nursing and personal palliative care in two local hospices was announced by Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith.

Hospice Prince Edward in Picton and Hospice Quinte (between Belleville and Quinte West)will receive top ups from base funding, said Smith, in light of inflationary pressures.

Hospice Prince Edward receives an additional $105,200 and Hospice Quinte will have $210,300 applied to the operational funding base rate for ministry-approved beds.

Smith noted both amounts represent a 67-per-cent top-up from base funding, prorated to six months. With the additions, Hospice Prince Edward’s total 2022-2023 funding is $420,200 and Hospice Quinte’s is $840,300.

“Residential hospice care allows palliative patients and their families better quality of life as death approaches,” said Smith. “This top-up funding better positions our local hospices to offer essential nursing and personal care in a comfortable setting, while also supporting the transition of patients from hospital settings, aiding in the timely delivery of acute care.”

“We are sincerely grateful for this much-needed funding and support of our hospice residence services,” said Jennifer May-Anderson, Executive Director at Hospice Quinte. “In the last 12 months, we have cared for 222 residents at the Stan Klemencic Care Centre and supported over 1,000 family members – a strong indication that this important service is a significant factor in preventing unnecessary hospital stays and admissions.”

Sandra Barnes, Executive Director at Hospice Prince Edward also thanked Smith as in 2022 it served 48 residential clients, and others through visiting volunteers, and grief and bereavement support.

“We operate a three-bed hospice in the heart of Prince Edward County.  Approximately 26 per cent of our costs are received from Home and Community Care Support Services, and we depend on fundraising to cover the balance. The announcement of top-up funding will enable Hospice Prince Edward to better serve our clients and their families of Prince Edward County and the surrounding area.”