To the editor:
Re: "Volunteer wants Marion Hospice to remain open," Jan. 9t
We wholeheartedly agree that more hospice beds are needed in Vancouver. As our population grows and ages, there is an increasing demand for quality end-of-life care. This is the sole reason why the Vancouver Hospice Society was founded in 2003.
Most people say they would like to die at home. We are in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health in providing support for the dying and their families in the Vancouver community. However, remaining at home is not always possible. Hospices provide the option of a non-institutional home away from home.
With no public funding, our society purchased land in a central location and built a Hospice Home at 4615 Granville St. to support the needs of our palliative community. We are in the final phase of raising the necessary funds to open our doors to patients. Meanwhile, we train volunteers to visit the dying in their homes and provide bereavement support for children and adults.
Much attention is currently being paid to the struggles our health care system is experiencing in meeting current demand. A bed in a hospice home costs a fraction of the cost in a hospital. Let's catch up with other communities in our province and provide much needed hospice beds as a cost effective alternative to hospital care.
Sue Hurd and Sue Wong, Vancouver Hospice Society
