NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2022

 

Pilgrims Hospice Society Receives Grant Funding from the Province

Edmonton – Pilgrims Hospice Society announced today the Government of Alberta has provided a one-year project grant of $2.5 million to support the delivery of 24/7 hospice palliative care at the Roozen Family Hospice Centre and fund a review of the centre’s unique model of care.

This demonstration project will include gathering information and data to improve understanding of how a freestanding residential hospice facility addresses residents’ palliative care needs to help inform the government’s assessment of hospice care models used across the province. Pilgrims Hospice Society will share information on this unique hospice model and submit a final report to Alberta Health.

“Pilgrims Hospice Society is working to improve palliative care delivery not just in Edmonton, but throughout the province. This grant is going to allow us to do two things at once: provide compassionate care for Albertans today and improve the model of care offered to those in their greatest time of need moving forward,” said Monica Robson, the CEO of Pilgrims Hospice Society. “We hope to continue working with the government to advance the future of exceptional, compassionate palliative care in Alberta.”

“With our ongoing work to transform and strengthen the continuing care system, we welcome this opportunity to look at innovative approaches to the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care supports and services that will benefit Albertans,” said Jason Copping, Alberta’s Minister of Health. “This one-year grant to the Pilgrim’s Hospice Society will offer valuable insights into a unique model of hospice care that will help to inform our assessment of hospice care models in Alberta.”

The Roozen Family Hospice Centre, located in Edmonton, is a warm and family-friendly, end-of-life residence with 12 comfortable suites for individuals in the final stages of life who do not require acute medical care.

Pilgrims Hospice Society provides around-the-clock palliative care for over 250 Albertans every year. When combined with its well-established illness support, caregiver support, end-of-life care, and grief counselling programming, the facility serves over 3,000 Albertans annually. Currently, Pilgrims Hospice Society provides its services and programs at no cost to patients, funding them through the generous support of donors.

The organization was registered under the Societies Act in April 1994, driven by the passionate vision of founders Dr. Helen Hays, Marion Boyd, and Patricia Lynch Ordynec, who wanted to provide better support for individuals with terminal illnesses.

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Media contact
Cathy Chichak
780.886.2760