The Ontario Ministry of Health has approved funding for Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry to add an additional two beds to their existing eight care suites.
This brings them to the maximum of ten beds, allowing them to serve more people in need of their services, said a statement.
These beds have received approval through to the 2025/26 fiscal year.
The funding announcement was made by Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham and Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby.
Christine Vos, Executive Director for the Oak Ridges Hospice in Scugog, said: “Being able to open the last two beds at the Morgan and Sidhu house will allow Oak Ridges Hospice to provide end of life care to even more families. As currently we are the only residential hospice serving the Durham Region, these additional beds offer the opportunity to reduce the current pressures within the hospital system, increase community support for caregivers and create awareness surrounding hospice palliative care. This funding could not have come at a better time as it provides greater access to high quality end of life care within the Durham Region.”
“This announcement is all about community, it’s about love and compassion, and it’s about the Oak Ridges Hospice, and the Government of Ontario is 100 per cent behind getting these two extra beds funded for the next three years,” said McCarthy. “It is very important for our loved ones and our community to help take the pressure off hospitals and the Oak Ridges Hospice provides love and dignity in the final days of our loved one’s lives. This is great news for our community.”
“Our government is committed to ensuring patients receive the care, dignity and respect they expect, and deserve.” Said Coe. “This hospice will provide people in the Region of Durham with palliative care in a comfortable home-like space, where they can be close to loved ones.”
I am glad to see the government of Ontario arranged funding for the last two beds at Oakridge Hospice in Port Perry. My wife spent the last month of her life at the hospice. The staff was wonderful and caring.