Hospice Peterborough Celebrates 35 Years of Service

Hospice Peterborough celebrates a milestone of 35 years of serving the community announced on Thursday.

Hospice Peterborough p[lanting its roots at its groundbreaking ceremony in 1988. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The organizations was officially founded on April 1, 1989.

“Reflecting on our history, we are profoundly grateful for the immense support we've received. This is the result of a community banding together to support each other – this is Your Community Hospice,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

The following is a sample of the Hospice’s timeline with significant milestones:

• 1988 - 1989: Hospice Peterborough becomes a registered charitable organization, starting with an annual revenue of $50,049 and a caseload of 37 active clients

• 1991 - 1992: Euthanasia enters mainstream conversation, as Hospice Peterborough advocates for proper palliative care and pain management

• 2014 - 2015: The ‘Every Moment Matters’ capital campaign is launched, aiming to raise $6.5 million. The campaign cabinet, led by Betty Morris, works tirelessly towards this goal

• 2016 - 2017: Despite being in the middle of a capital campaign, Hospice still tracks 21,613 client interactions, 12 events, 684 group sessions, and 734 new referrals, the 305 active volunteers along with staff were kept very busy

• 2018 - 2019: Hospice Peterborough moves to its new location at 325 London Street. On April 8, 2019, the organization admits its first end-of-life residents, marking a pivotal moment in its history

• 2021 - 2022: Hospice Peterborough proudly became a fully accredited healthcare organization with the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) following a vigorous 18-month process ultimately achieving an outstanding score of 98.67 per cent

• 2022 - 2023: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became an option for clients receiving care in the Hospice Residence who have requested it, and for those who meet the required criteria, aligning with Hospice’s vision of client-centered care. Founder Dr. John Beamish, Hospice Peterborough’s Medical Director, announced his retirement after 36 years of service to HP

“We've come a long way since our humble beginnings, and today, we stand as a trusted healthcare facility providing 24/7 palliative care,” said Hős.

As part of the journey’s celebration, a small exhibit has been set up in the building where guests can explore memorabilia, view collected photos and gain insights into its history

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Photos: Grievers Seek Comfort and Reflect at Hospice Peterborough's 'Stars For a Dark Night'

Grievers of lost loved ones could come to reflect and have their stories heard at Hospice Peterborough’s ‘Stars For a Dark Night’ held at Peterborough Square on Tuesday evening.

Sandra Lockwood (left) and Avril Siddle (right) grieving to each other of the important people they have lost. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event allowed anyone who had lost a loved one to share their story with Hospice staff, volunteers or other grievers (either privately or on an open mic). It also had expressive arts, quiet reflection and a live performance from the Hospice Singers.

Hospice volunteer Sarah Lewis said this event could not have happened at a more perfect time. She had lost her father to cancer in 2021 and felt the holidays last year were not the same without him.

“Because I had lost my father around Christmas time, it was a time of grieving and I wasn't in the Christmas spirit,” she explained. “I think this can be such a difficult time for a lot of people who have lost somebody important to them so having a community gathering where we're allowed to grieve together, not hold that in and share through art, I think, is absolutely beautiful.”

The drop-in event had anyone who stopped by write a name on a star (paper or wooden) of someone they commemorated and remembered. It was placed on a window at Peterborough Square with other stars.

“This is a celebration of honouring and remembering our loved ones, our people who have passed on,” said Lewis. “(It’s nice) Just to gather to share stories, strengthen hope, poetry, art and song together and grieve as a community.”

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100 Women Peterborough Returns to In-Person Philanthropy With Donation of Over $10,000 to Hospice Peterborough

With 100 Women returning to their first in-person gathering since 2019, their first donation of $10,800 was made to Hospice Peterborough.

100 Women’s first donation was made to Hospice Peterborough in 2018. Photo courtesy of 100 Women Peterborough.

The decision was made after a majority vote as representatives of Abbeyfield House Society, Hospice Peterborough and Peterborough Veterinary Outreach made their cases to be the recipient on Sept. 19.

“We're honoured that 100 Women Peterborough has chosen to support us again, marking a full-circle moment," said Aimée O’Reilly, Hospice Peterborough manager of development. “This community of women initially helped us build our 10-bed end-of-life residence and expand our programming facility. Their renewed investment speaks volumes about the trust they place in us. Importantly, their donation will help sustain programs that aren't government-funded including special touches of care and grief programming.”

With 108 active members, 100 Women contributed $100 each towards the total donation.

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The 21st Annual Hike for Hospice Fundraiser Is Open For Registration

It’s time to get your feet moving as registration for Hospice Peterborough’s 21st annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is now open and scheduled for Sept. 10 – 17, announced on Tuesday.

Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $100,000 with over 150 participants and sponsorships. File photo.

The fundraiser helps fund the Hospice to keep end-of-life and bereavement support free in Peterborough and the County while offering a space to remember and honour loved ones who have died.

Participants are welcome to walk, run, cycle or move in any way to raise funds for those seeking hospice palliative care or grief support. The hike also provides opportunities to connect virtually through activities that encourage participants to pause and remember those who have passed, reflected in the event’s motto: ‘Who are you hiking for?’

“It’s a beautiful event and different every year,” said Mary Blair, Hospice co-chair.

“What’s really impactful is how the event becomes an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died. It can be very moving,” said Heather Easton, co-chair.

Since moving to a virtual platform, Hike for Hospice has seen participants from between the east coast and west coast, participating in creative ways such as kayaking with their families or rowing a kilometre for every $10 raised.

“It’s a highlight of the year,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director. “We are so incredibly grateful to those who participate each year to ensure hospice care remains accessible to everyone. We truly could not do what we do without you.”

More information on the event, registration and fundraising can all be accessed at easypledge.ca/hospice-peterborough.

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Hospice Peterborough to Receive $473,000 In Additional Funding Over Two Years For Palliative Care

The Ontario Government has expanded palliative care services in Peterborough-Kawartha increasing Hospice Peterborough’s funding by $473,000 over the next two years, announced on Wednesday.

MPP DAVE SMITH (LEFT) WITH HAJNI HŐS, HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (RIGHT) IN FRONT OF HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH ON LONDON STREET. Ontario is expanding end-of-life care services by adding 23 new hospice beds to the 509 beds already available across the province to connect Ontarians with end-of-life care. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The funding is part of the Ontario Government’s ‘Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care’ initiative to expand access to palliative care services in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This increase is part of the provincial government’s $147.4 million investment over three years for palliative care according to MPP Dave Smith.

“Families have expressed their gratitude regarding the service that their loved ones receive,” he said. “This funding will allow Hospice Peterborough to continue the remarkable care for not only patients but for family members as well. This is Part of our government’s commitment to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it most.”

“These much-needed funds will cover approximately 80 per cent of our expenses, compared to the previous 60 per cent coverage, for our 10-bed hospice residence which offers 24/7 professional, patient-centred palliative care to those in their last weeks of life,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice Peterborough executive director.

Some of the funding for palliative and end-of-life services across Ontario include:

• Grief and bereavement support that help families and caregivers who are grieving the loss of a loved one;

• Advance care planning to help patients and families prepare for future health care decisions; and

• Perinatal palliative care programs that provide specialized grief, bereavement, and peer support that help parents prepare for the loss of their infant.

“At a time when the healthcare system is under unprecedented strain, both in terms of capacity and a challenging healthcare labour market, these funds make it possible for us to continue to provide the high quality, patient-centred care we have provided for over 30 years,” said Hős.

The investment also provides funding for nursing, personal support and other services delivered to patients at Hospice Peterborough.

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Hospice Peterborough Speaks On Medical Assistance in Dying

When the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation was introduced in Canada in 2016, Hospice Peterborough formed a committee made up of clients, Board of Directors members, community palliative program staff and palliative physicians to support the service.

File photo.

They determined that Hospice Peterborough will not stigmatize those who choose MAiD, and that staff will follow the professional health colleges’ guidelines which allow health professionals to talk about MAiD if the client introduced the topic and asked for help in accessing more information.

In 2019 Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) developed a program to support people who were at the end of their life in exploring the decision to enact MAiD. Hospice works with PRHC to provide Peterborough access to MAiD, and impartially support those who are considering this by answering questions and helping to navigate the choice.

“The Board of Hospice Peterborough respects and supports a person’s choice for medical assistance in dying. Therefore, the Board requests the creation of an operational plan for medical assistance in dying at Hospice Peterborough,” said Hospice Peterborough Board of Directors in a statement.

The 2021-2025 Hospice Peterborough Strategic Plan was developed last year to reinvestigate and redefine Hospice Peterborough’s position on MAiD in their ten-bed hospice residence. A working group was formed and an internal process was launched to review MAiD.

This process included staff, board education groups and focus groups while considering feedback from the community. Review of provincial and national standards from palliative care organizations including the Ontario Palliative Care Network, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

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Virtual Hike for Hospice Raises More Than $96,000 for Hospice Peterborough

Hospice Peterborough has raised over $96,000 during their 20th Hike for Hospice event from Sept. 10 to 16 announced on Thursday.

Shannon Kelly, Jamie McNinch and their two boys Joe and Alex. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The week-long event took place virtually with over 150 registrants.

This money will help the organization keep up with the 45 per cent increase in demand they’ve faced over the last five years.

Shannon Kelly was one of many who participated in Hike for Hospice for the first time this year after her husband, Jamie McNinch, passed from cancer in July 2022.

After he received a palliative diagnosis, their family was connected with Hospice Peterborough and a palliative doctor who helped them navigate support systems and provide resources. McNinch eventually opted for medical assistance to end his life.

She rowed one km for every $100 raised and ended up putting in 82 kilometres on her rowing machine in a single day after raising over $8,200.

As more donations came in, her total raised jumped to $8,585 and she claimed the top fundraiser spot.

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Artwork Memorializes Messages From Residents Impacted By Suicide And Overdose

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) and Hospice Peterborough unveiled an art installation, which involves messages to loved ones who died by suicide and overdose, at Rogers Cove last week, following a collaborative event that raised $1,455 in donations for Hospice’s suicide bereavement programs.

From left, local artist Lee Higginson and Elizabeth Bower-Gordon, Hospice Peterborough communications assistant, stand at Rogers Cove on Aug. 2 during the unveiling of artwork from the Darkness to Light event. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Local artist Lee Higginson created the installation, called Frayed/Bound, with messages from and materials chosen by Peterborough and area residents who had gathered on Dec. 21 for Darkness to Light – an outdoor sunrise gathering held at Rogers Cove for anyone impacted by suicide and overdose.

“The hope is that Frayed/Bound captures the sense of being undone and raw, but also the idea that being connected in grief makes the person, and community, stronger,” said Higginson.

Last year’s inaugural event was free to attend and focused on the unique grieving process that follows loosing someone to suicide.

“We are grateful for this community collaboration that helped support those who had experienced this type of loss and allowed them to come together to honour their person,” said Sheila Bourgeois, Hospice Peterborough’s Child and Family Life Specialist. “The generous funding will help Hospice to continue to offer our specialized support group for people who have experienced the death of a close family member by suicide.”

“Our hope through this event is to not only create awareness and financial support for the programs, but also help breakdown stigma and barriers to accessing the support,” said Vince e Bierworth, Executive Director for the GPHSF. “These are great programs with kind and compassionate people there to help you through your journey.”

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Hospice Peterborough Seeking Applications For New Members

Hospice Peterborough is accepting applications to be on their Board of Directors any of their Standing Committees announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Applications are open to anyone living in Peterborough county. Board members serve for a three-year term beginning in June and attend monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

Hospice is also looking for community members who wish to serve on various committees such as Resource Development, Quality, Governance and Finance.

The following are applicant qualifications:

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills

• Organizational and leadership skills

• Ability to work collaboratively

• Interest and expertise in legal matters, fund development, finances and accounting or first-hand experience with Hospice’s programs and services as a client or caregiver

Resumés and cover letters must be sent by March 29 to admin@hospicepeterborough.org with the subject line “Attention: Chair, Board Recruitment Committee.”

Interviews are held on April 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., by video conference unless otherwise stated.

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Hospice Peterborough Becomes Accredited Through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario And Achieves Near Perfect Score

Hospice Peterborough is now officially accredited through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) with a near-perfect score of 98.67 per cent.

Hospice Peterborough staff pose for a photo with HPCO accreditors who toured the building in Fall 2021 as part of the rigorous accreditation process. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The 98.67 per cent score offers a ‘stamp of approval’ signifying to clients, health professionals, community members and funders that it meets the highest standards for the delivery of consistent, quality service and care and is committed to continual learning and improvement.

“It is with much pride that I sincerely thank our incredible team of staff, board members and volunteers who have all worked so hard – on top of day-to-day duties – to make our dream of accreditation a reality,” said Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hős. “We have demonstrated to healthcare peers that we consistently deliver outstanding care to the community with professionalism and compassion.”

The process involved a vigorous and comprehensive 18-month review of the residence, community programs, services and professional standards including everything from fiscal responsibility to resident safety to professional development for staff. Out of 134 hospice sites across the province, 35 currently hold HPCO accreditation.

Past executive director Linda Sunderland started the accreditation process, before the new building and residence were built on London Street, to ensure all operations were in line with industry standards and best practices.

The process also reviewed aspects such as governance, quality assurance, client care, fundraising and volunteer management. HPCO reviewed, for example, how Hospice Peterborough develops care plans for residents as well as emergency-response plans, volunteer safety and whether the organization is publicly transparent with fundraised dollars.

“Best practices are always evolving and we will never stop looking to learn and improve as an organization and a team,” said Hős.

Accreditation requires ongoing compliance, with regular interim reports, and must be renewed every three years.

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