Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - The need for a residential hospice in Middlesex County was brought home to Middlesex Centre councillors during a presentation by a member of Strathroy Hospice.
“Middlesex County represents one of the few counties in Ontario without a residential hospice,” said Strathroy Hospice Advisory Director Sari Belzycki.
Belzycki appeared before council at its July 15th meeting to ask for support to build a new hospice. She cited the strains currently on patients and families who must now rely on measures like staying in hospital, travelling to facilities, or managing care at home. “When families reach the point where they need hospice care for their loved one, they often have very few choices,” said Belzycki. “Families shouldn’t have to leave their communities just to receive compassionate end of life care,” added Belzycki.
Council was told the need for hospice care continues to grow. “Our population is aging and more residents are living longer with illnesses like cancer, heart disease, COPD, dementia and other neurological conditions,” said Belzycki.
The presentation to Middlesex Centre is part of an effort to reach out to local mayors in Middlesex County to gain support for a hospice. The hope is to build a facility that would initially have five private patient suites, family spaces, as well as outdoor amenities like a garden. To date, $1.5 million has been raised through a fundraising campaign.
Council was told that a site for the hospice has already been considered. The hope is it would be built on a parcel of farmland owned by Belzycki that she would donate to the project.
Belzycki was asked how the model of care would work. For example, would family doctors look after their own patients. She said there are several options being looked at. “We’re not yet at that point where we’ve decided on the type of model we would have,” said Belzycki.
