Valley Hospice celebrates completion with ribbon-cutting
By Carla Adams
The completion of Annapolis Valley’s first residential hospice was celebrated with an official ribbon cutting. The new facility will begin to welcome patients and families by the end of September 2020.
The 10-bed hospice, located on treed grounds adjacent to Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, was constructed thanks to the Valley Hospice Foundation and their generous donors who contributed $4 million to this project. Nova Scotia Health will own and operate the hospice moving forward.
"Valley Hospice is not just about providing exceptional medical care, it is about nurturing the spirit. We are so happy that our community will now have the Valley Hospice where staff, friends and family will walk with the patients as they take their final journey," said Martha Stewart, Valley Hospice Foundation, board chair. “We are so thankful for the community’s support for this project.”
Valley Hospice offers a homelike setting for people with terminal illness, allowing them to live their last days in comfort. The residence features private bedrooms with patios, an open-concept kitchen, dining room and living room with a fireplace feature, gardens and quiet spaces.
“This is a beautiful building, designed and built specifically for those at end-of-life and their loved ones. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our community and Nova Scotia Health, we have a new opportunity to make that experience the best it can be, physically, emotionally and spiritually,” said Fern Brydon, Nova Scotia Health, manager of Hospice and Palliative Care, Annapolis Valley. “I believe I speak for all of us who will work here, that we will be honoured to provide care that will indeed make that experience the best it can be.”
“The Valley Hospice will have a positive impact on many Nova Scotian patients and their families, as loved ones receive compassionate care and support in their final days,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Congratulations to everyone involved in making this hospice a reality and ensuring Nova Scotians have more options for end-of-life care.”
Hospice patients will receive professional nursing care with physician support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A physician or nurse practitioner can make a referral for assessment of eligibility. The hospice will help provide families with another choice other than dying at home or being admitted to acute care hospital.
