FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barrie, July 16, 2024
We are pleased to announce that the Barrie and Area OHT (Ontario Health Teams) Palliative Working Group was successful in their application to Ontario Health (OH) and Ontario Palliative Care Network (OPCN) to provide a Palliative Care Clinical Coach (PCCC) for Barrie and area.
This initiative will address the needs of the dying and bereaved who are homeless or vulnerably housed, and their care providers. The Palliative Care Clinical Coach will work to develop relationships with key partners in the community, executing the OPCN Health Service Delivery Framework recommendations. This project is one of six that were awarded in Central OH and has limited funding of two years.
In the role is a team of experienced palliative care professionals including Hospice Simcoe’s Bereavement Coordinator, Amy Pritzker MSW RSW, and Residential Care Manager, Tammy Pollard RN BScN CHPCN, along with Palliative Care physician, Dr. Toni Mihaylova MD CCFP.
“We know that homeless and vulnerably housed people continue to die at an alarming rate, at half the age of the average Canadian. People using illicit drugs and living with mental illness continue to experience stigma and discrimination, leaving them to experience suffering and unmet needs at end-of-life. This funding will allow us to increase capacity in our community to provide high quality palliative care and bereavement supports to these individuals, their families and care providers” says Kelly Hubbard, Executive Director of Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre.
“We are excited to have a strong partnership with palliative support when needed by our residents. As well, bereavement and grief support when we have a loss will be very beneficial to both residents and staff. This program fills a critical gap for us at Redwood in offering supportive housing to people who have experienced homelessness”, Rhonda Kent, Director of Housing and Supportive Community, Redwood Park Communities.
“The BAOHT is dedicated to putting our patients, clients, families and caregivers at the forefront of everything we do. We are dedicated to co-creating an inclusive and accessible healthcare system for all our community members. Hospice Simcoe plays a vital role as a partner in the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team. We are thankful for their successful application for a Palliative Care Clinical Coach, ensuring timely and appropriate care for our community“. Tracey Fletcher, Co-Chair of the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
| Hospice Simcoe’s Fund Development Manager: Marilyn Guest [email protected] | Hospice Simcoe’s: Marketing & Communications Coordinator: Michelle Roberts [email protected] |
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