Plans are being made to create a new 10-bed, standalone hospice in Mission.
While nothing is official at this time, Angel Elias, executive director of the Mission Hospice Society, has provided a sneak peek to what could soon become a reality.
Speaking at the AGM of MATH (Mission All-Together For Healthcare) Elias explained she has been working with the community and the board on a new plan for the Christine Morrison Hospice, a 10-bed hospice residence which is currently located on the third floor of the hospital.
“We know that we need to get out of the hospital because the space is needed to expand our medical services in our community,” said Elias.
Currently, Mission Hospice Society provides and funds all the non-medical components at the hospice, as well as providing volunteer services.
However, taking on a project of this magnitude is a huge task and a large sum of money.
“You have to understand that Mission Hospice Society has a small operating budget of about $430,000 a year to run a hospice.”
While it is too early to provide exact details, the project is hoping to get started soon.
“However, I still have to negotiate with Fraser Health because I need them to agree run the medical side of the hospice,” she explained.
Negotiations are ongoing.
It does appear to be a matter of when it will happen rather than if it will.
The benefits of having a standalone hospice are many, including the potential to create even more beds by allowing double occupancy in each room. That creates the possibility of 20 acute care beds in the community.
It also benefits Mission Memorial Hospital. However none of this will happen if Fraser Health does not agree to the terms of the lease.
“In a time when our medical system is in such dire need for growth in our community, with us moving, that is going to create a really good space in our aging infrastructure of a hospital,” said Elias.
A public engagement meeting to discuss rezoning of the property is set for April 4, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hospice Society office at 32180 Hillcrest Ave.
“The Mission Hospice Society is working hard to finalize this project to continue to provide compassionate end-of-life care in our community, however this project will have a price tag on it and we are actively looking for donors who would like to donate to help us with this build, as we know the cost of everything is very high so every little bit will help.”
Contact Angel Elias at the Mission Hospice Society for details on how you can contribute or donate to this project.
www.missionhospice.bc.ca