Ontario provides additional $315,500 to support residential palliative care in Bay of Quinte

BAY OF QUINTE The Ontario government is providing additional operating funding for residential palliative care at Hospice Prince Edward and Hospice Quinte, Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, announced today.

Recognizing inflationary pressures, the government will be providing an additional $105,200 for Hospice Prince Edward and $210,300 for Hospice Quinte applied to the operational funding base rate for ministry-approved beds.  The funding will support nursing, personal care, and other supports. Both amounts represent a 67-per-cent top-up from base funding, prorated to six months.  With the additions, Hospice Prince Edward’s total 2022-2023 funding is $420,200 and Hospice Quinte’s is $840,300.

“Residential hospice care allows palliative patients and their families better quality of life as death approaches,” said Smith. “This top-up funding better positions our local hospices to offer essential nursing and personal care in a comfortable setting, while also supporting the transition of patients from hospital settings, aiding in the timely delivery of acute care.”

The new funding is part of an $13.7-million investment in 84 residential hospices across the province in the 2022-2023 budget year.

“Our government continues to make investments, to help ensure Ontarians can receive the care they need in an appropriate setting, closer to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This additional funding will mean more patients will be able to receive end-of-life care in the Bay of Quinte region near their family and friends.”

Representatives from each local hospice welcomed the news.

“We are sincerely grateful for this much-needed funding and support of our hospice residence services,” said Jennifer May-Anderson, the Executive Director at Hospice Quinte. “In the last 12 months, we have cared for 222 residents at the Stan Klemencic Care Centre and supported over 1,000 family members – a strong indication that this important service is a significant factor in preventing unnecessary hospital stays and admissions.”

Sandra Barnes, the Executive Director at Hospice Prince Edward added:  “Today’s announcement of top-up funding by MPP Smith is welcomed by Hospice Prince Edward.  We operate a three-bed hospice in the heart of Prince Edward County.  Approximately 26 per cent of our costs are received from Home and Community Care Support Services, and we depend on fundraising to cover the balance. The announcement of top-up funding will enable Hospice Prince Edward to better serve our clients and their families of Prince Edward County and the surrounding area.” 

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