PROVINCE TO MORE THAN DOUBLE — TO 7 — NUMBER OF MINISTRY-FUNDED HOSPICE BEDS AT ANDY’S PLACE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
PORT CARLING — Though no date has been set it, the province promised today to fund four new palliative care beds here at Andy’s Place.
Once opened, these new adult hospice beds will bring the total number of Ministry-funded beds at Hospice Muskoka to seven for end-of-life palliative care.
It’s money the hospice has desperately been fighting and fundraising for.
“Hospice Muskoka is grateful to have an additional beds, said Donna Kearney, executive director in the release.
“The additional base funding will improve Hospice Muskoka’s financial stability, will allow us to expand our programs and services and reduces the need to raise over $1 million per year in donations.
“Hospice Muskoka is dedicated to continuing to provide high quality palliative care in Muskoka.”
Monday’s announcement by MPP Graydon Smith comes days before a winter election call says Ontario government is connecting more people in Muskoka to comfortable and dignified end-of-life care, close to their community and loved ones by adding four new hospice beds at Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House, says a government release.

This is part of an expansion of 84 new adult hospice beds across the province, bringing the total number of publicly funded hospice beds in Ontario to 768 it says.
“Our government is investing heavily into health care services in small town and rural area like those across Parry Sound-Muskoka,” said Smith.
“By more than doubling the number of funded beds at Hospice Muskoka, more families will have access to the outstanding palliative care provided by the team at Andy’s House.”
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) also funds beds at Hospice Muskoka.

This expansion is part of the province’s up to $19.75 million capital investment to add 84 new adult hospice beds across the province, bringing the total number of publicly funded hospice beds in Ontario to 768. When these 84 new beds are open, the province will provide an additional up to $16.03 million per year to support the operation of these beds.
“Our government is ensuring people and their families have access to the comprehensive care they need in their community, close to their loved ones, at every stage of life,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By investing in the expansion of end-of-life care in communities across the province, we are taking another step to connect Ontarians to compassionate and specialized care closer to home.”
Through the Ontario government’s Your Health plan, the province is making it easier and faster for people of all ages to connect to the care they need, where and when they need it. This includes investing up to $147.4 million over three years to expand access to palliative care services, including increasing funding by 45 per cent for all hospice beds across the province, with additional increases for hospice beds in smaller sites of six beds or less.
QUICK FACTS:
Palliative care, which includes end-of-life care, can begin as early as the diagnosis of a serious illness and focuses on improving the quality of each individual’s life. This integrated form of care ensures people can access the support they need when facing illness, death, grief, and/or bereavement.
The Ontario Palliative Care Network (OPCN), led by Ontario Health, is a partnership of health service providers (including hospices, long-term care homes, hospitals and others), community and social support service organizations, health system planners, Ontario Health Teams, and patient and family/care partner advisors, formed to develop a coordinated, standardized approach to palliative care.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care
Ontario Palliative Care Network Information and Resources
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