More beds are coming to area hospices following an announcement by the province Friday.
Chippewas of Rama First Nation will get two new beds, while Hospice Huronia’s Tomkins House in Penetanguishene and Mariposa House Hospice in Severn will each get one more.
That will bring the total number of hospice beds in Rama to three, and at Hospice Huronia and Mariposa House Hospice to six.
In Rama, the additional beds mean community members “can receive compassionate care close to home during life’s most difficult moments,” said Chief Ted Williams.
“The addition of these palliative care beds reflects a shared commitment to the health and well-being of our people, rooted in dignity, respect, and cultural understanding. We thank (Simcoe North) MPP Jill Dunlop and all involved for their ongoing partnership and support for our community’s needs.”
The additional bed at Mariposa House Hospice will help the organization address the need for its services, said executive director Ted Markle.
“Mariposa House Hospice is grateful for the funding of a sixth bed for our residential hospice,” he said.
“Far too often in the past year, we have not been able to accommodate a resident because we were already at capacity. Since our region is rapidly growing and aging, expanded hospice care will make a meaningful difference," said Markle.
“The sixth bed at Tomkins House is ready today to welcome our next family who needs exceptional end-of-life care in north Simcoe,” said Hospice Huronia executive director Debbie Kesheshian. “This investment in hospice palliative care will make a tremendous impact for our region and we are so grateful. This past year, many people missed having a hospice experience as our beds were full. This will go a very long way in keeping people out of our emergency departments and in a home-like setting with the 24/7 palliative care that Team Tomkins offers.”
Dunlop said the new beds “will directly benefit the communities served through these three organizations, offering families the comfort and support they need during one of the most difficult times.
“With these new beds, we are enhancing the quality of care available, allowing loved ones to be surrounded by peace, dignity, and compassion in their final moments.”
This addition of beds locally is part of the province’s initiative to provide up to $19.75 million in capital funding to add 84 new adult hospice beds across Ontario.
