Hospice Fredericton to receive increased funding for operational costs

Hospice Fredericton is receiving an increase in operational funding to help provide end-of-life care.

The New Brunswick Department of Health is spending $5.7 million over five years to support clinical care costs at Hospice Fredericton.

This represents an increase of more than 40 per cent from the previous five-year service agreement, according to a news release from the province.

“Hospice Fredericton plays an essential role in our community,” said New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt in the release.

“Every year, Hospice Fredericton provides valuable palliative care and end-of-life services to patients and their families. We are pleased to continue our support of this critical service, which delivers comfort and compassion to people during the most trying times.”

Hospice Fredericton opened in 2016 as the second 10-bed residential hospice for in-patient care in Atlantic Canada.

It provides 24-hour end-of-life care in a home-like setting for those who are unable to spend their last days at home.

Cindy Sheppard, CEO of Hospice Fredericton, says the additional funding will help the non-profit organization in a number of ways.

“With this support, we can continue to grow our programs, invest in our team and provide excellence in end-of-life care that is centred on compassion, dignity and family support,” said Sheppard.

“This agreement allows us to focus on what matters most: providing excellence in hospice care, supporting families through compassionate grief and bereavement programs, and ensuring that our community has access to quality end-of-life care when it’s needed most.”

Since opening, the province says Hospice Fredericton has supported 1,145 patients and their families.

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