Hospice beds start opening at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in January

LUNENBURG, N.S. – Enhanced support for patients and families in need of end-of-life care will be available with the phased opening of beds in the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital hospice unit.

“Plenty of hard work, planning and consultation has allowed us to begin the opening of the hospice care beds,” said Dr. Patricia Caldeira, who accepted the position of hospice medical director at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital earlier this year.

“Engaging existing providers as well as the recruitment of staff and physicians with the appropriate skills and training in end-of-life care is essential to success, so it has been necessary to proceed thoughtfully and carefully.”

Starting in January, a phased approach begins with the opening of two of the planned five hospice beds. More beds will open as the remainder of the care team is put in place. Recruitment for staff with the required competencies in end-of-life care is ongoing.

“We understand this has been a lengthy process with still plenty of work left to do. We are so grateful to our partners in the community who have advocated so effectively for end-of-life care services in our region, and who have provided vision, leadership and support on this project,” said Caldeira.

“The long-awaited opening of these hospice beds at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital is important for the South Shore, and means a lot to me personally," said Susan Corkum-Greek, MLA for Lunenburg said. "The community helped build this unit, recognizing that our loved ones deserve a compassionate, private and dignified place to receive end-of-life care. Now they’ll have it.”

The space has received generous support from the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society, the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore and the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, which have made significant contributions to furnish the hospice rooms, transforming them into a comfortable, appropriate setting for patients and families.

Marlene Wheatly-Downe, vice chair of the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society said their board members are absolutely thrilled with the announcement. “The benefits to hospice patients and their families are immeasurable. These beds represent more than a space for patients. The hospice rooms were designed and decorated to instill an environment of compassion and comfort. Patients facing end of life will now have the privacy and dignity they deserve. We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this day to fruition.”

Nova Scotia Health is looking forward to opening the hospice unit to its full capacity. It is important to know that patients in hospitals across the province, including Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, as well as patients at home, have access to specialized palliative care teams who can be consulted to provide support for patients and healthcare providers. 

CUTLINE: Dr. Patricia Caldeira, hospice medical director at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, sits beside a new palliative care bed.

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