Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is partnering with the Squamish Hospice Society to build a four-bed hospice in Squamish. It is expected to open by spring next year.
Whistler Blackcomb Foundation donated $300,000 towards the facility, and the Squamish Hospice Society also provided funding. Vancouver Coastal Health will provide an annual operating budget of $566,000.
The hospice will be located in a vacant wing at Hilltop House, which will be renovated to provide a dedicated home-like environment, VCH said. Currently, clients requiring this type of support are cared for in Squamish General Hospital, in Hilltop House, or outside the community.
Key features of the new hospice include private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a fold out couch so family members can stay, a central living/dining/kitchen area and sacred space, as well as a nursing station, medication room and consultation office. The hospice will also have a family laundry room and a shower/tub room.
Trevor Harris and his family understand the value that a hospice can bring during those final stages of life. The Harris family spent five weeks in Squamish Hospital before Trevor’s wife, Linda, passed away.
“We were fortunate to have a private room and space for our children and grandchildren to be with us during that time – especially over Christmas,” Harris said. “I know this is unusual in an acute care setting. It was so important for us to be together and to support Linda and each other. This new hospice will make a huge difference to families like mine.”
“Compassionate hospice care is essential for our corridor and we are delighted to be able to support the construction of this much-needed facility,” said Mei Madden, executive director of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
