Palliative Care Unit Opening in Lunenburg

The Nova Scotia government is investing $1 million annually for a five-room dedicated palliative care unit on the South Shore.

The new unit at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will provide team-based palliative care, including end-of-life care, symptom management and support for patients and their families.

It is expected to open this fall.

“Everyone deserves respectful, integrated palliative care at the end of life,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “These dedicated palliative care rooms and services will provide comfort and quality care to patients and families on the South Shore, and ensure the right supports are in place – medically, physically and emotionally.”

Existing beds at the hospital are being converted into home-like environments. Government funding will cover one-time costs for equipment and furnishings, annual physician coverage and additional staffing needs.

Quotes:

“The South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society is so very pleased about today’s announcement of palliative beds at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. We look forward to working with our partners to help create a compassionate end-of-life care environment for residents of Lunenburg and Queens counties.”

– Trudy Johnson, chair, South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society

“This unit will allow more people in this community to receive end-of-life care in a more welcoming and comforting setting. It will also add a significant resource to address needs within our community, building on a strong network of support for those needing end-of-life care.”

– Dr. Brendan Carr, president and CEO, Nova Scotia Health

Quick Facts:

• palliative care patients from the South Shore who require hospitalization are currently admitted to available acute care beds at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, South Shore Regional Hospital or Queen’s General Hospital
• family physicians and front-line care providers, including care co-ordinators, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and spiritual care providers can access support from a palliative care team

Additional Resources:

Integrated Palliative Care, Department of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/palliativecare/

Nova Scotia Health Palliative Care: http://www.nshealth.ca/content/palliative-care

South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society: https://southshorehospice.ca/