Margaret Bahen Hospice has received $375,000 from the Ontario government as part of a $23-million investment in hospice care in the province.
Health Minister and Newmarket-Aurora MPP Christine Elliott announced the funding on Friday, Oct. 27 at the hospice, which is located at 653 Queen St. in Newmarket, providing end-of-life care to residents from across York Region.
“As part of our plan to end hallway health care, our government is building capacity to create an integrated health-care system centred around the needs of patients, families and caregivers, including compassionate end-of-life care,” Elliott said. “This funding will help Ontarians receive the respect, dignity and care they deserve at every stage of their lives, while ensuring the province’s hospices have the tools they need to continue to provide high-quality care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The money will go to eligible hospice residences across Ontario for 24/7 staffing, professional nurses, personal support, support for caregivers, and pain management.
“We are absolutely delighted with today’s announcement. It acknowledges the Ontario government’s understanding and support of the critical role hospice residences play in providing compassionate end-of-life care to residents and their families,” said Sonya Murray, executive director of Margaret Bahen Hospice. “This funding recognizes the incredible work of our dedicated team of staff, physicians, volunteers, students and donors as we continue to provide high-quality care and to meet the needs of our community during these difficult times. We are truly grateful to the Ontario government for their continued investment into hospice palliative care.”
The recent investment is in addition to the government’s total annual funding of $74 million for hospice care, and is an increase of at least 30 per cent for all eligible hospices this year, according to a government news release.