Collingwood’s hospice received long-awaited news they can open the four beds that have remained ready but unfunded since 2017.
Hospice Georgian Triangle (HGT) sent out a press release last night announcing funding and approval from the Ministry of Health to open its four remaining beds.
The beds and rooms were completed in 2017 with capital funds raised through donations. However, until now, the province has not released fundings to make those beds operational. Much like a hospital, a hospice can raise funds for capital expenses, but the operation of the shelter must be done through provincial approval and, partially, through provincial funding.
Hospice Georgian Triangle will receive $105,000 per bed, per year, which is about 50 per cent of the operating costs for a hospice bed in Ontario.
Janet Fairbridge, director of the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, said the remaining 50 per cent will come from donors.
“We will continue to rely on our generous community for their support of HGT’s mission and their donations to fund the other 50 per cent to keep our doors open,” said Fairbridge.
According to the press release, the hospice received a phone call from Doug Downey, attorney general and MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. The details were confirmed Thursday by the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN).
The newly opened four beds brings HGT’s total bed count to ten.
Trish Rawn, interim executive director of Hospice Georgian Triangle, said the beds will be used for a new end-of-life respite model of palliative care delivery.
“We are thrilled to now plan for the official opening of our additional four beds,” said Rawn.
