Friday marked a significant milestone for Whitby with the announcement that construction is set to start on a project vital for the community—a much-needed hospice, according to Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
This 10-bed hospice is separate from the proposed full-scale hospital project that Ontario has approved for Whitby.
“Hospice Whitby – Roger Anderson House will allow those in our community with a palliative diagnosis to die with comfort, care, compassion, dignity, and privacy,” said Mayor Roy.
She pointed out that our region currently has one 10-bed hospice located in north Durham, while data shows 37 hospice beds are needed to support the needs of the growing community.
There is a hospice in Port Perry, Scugog, and Clarington has donated land for another one in the easterm municipality.
“As someone who worked in healthcare for more than 30 years, I believe deeply in the importance of end-of-life care.”
Mayor Roy said she has been involved with the Hospice Whitby project for many years and is profoundly grateful to the many residents, businesses, corporations, and community organizations that have stepped up to support the capital campaign.
“I also want to acknowledge the Hospice Whitby board of directors, VON Durham Region Community Corporation as the owner and builder of the hospice, the Town of Whitby, which donated the land for the hospice, and the group of 16 developers that donated $2 million towards the capital campaign.
“Hospice Whitby represents the power of community and our collective desire to ensure everyone has access to compassionate end-of-life care,” she added.