ASSINIBOIA - Regardless of age, status and situation - local residents must all take one final journey at the end of their life. Assiniboia Union Hospital has the honour of providing exceptional quality palliative care to individuals in their last stage of life.
It has long been a standard of the facility to provide the best care for both local patient and their family in a setting that allows for comfort, rest, reminiscing and peace in as warm and welcoming of a setting as possible. In April 2019, an opportunity presented itself to create a new space that would provide all of this to local patients and their families.
When news of this project hit the ears of the community, an overwhelming response to help achieve this vision began. Barbecues were hosted on hot summer days by E. Bourassa and monetary funds were received by RM 72 Lake of The Rivers, Assiniboia Royal Canadian Legion, Assiniboia CWL, South Country Health Care Foundation, a bequest of $10,000 from the George Ciocia estate, private donations and donations made in memory of loved ones.
Unfortunately, with the arrival of COVID-19 many of the plans and work for the new palliative care room were put on hold. While planning slowed and work stopped, quality palliative care at AUH continued on, waiting for when the new space would become available.
Fast forward to May 2023, though planning slowed it was never forgotten or pushed aside. Now with all restrictions lifted, planning and work could begin anew.
A committee was formed comprising of acute care, long term care and home care nurses, AUH and home care managers, a palliative care coordinator, South Country Health Foundation members and community members.
Electrical and structural work began in earnest to join two spaces into one flowing room that will have flexible yet defined functions, accommodating patient care and daily family needs. Close attention to details while planning will create a place where families can be with their loved one in home-like comfort. At the end of a life journey, this nurturing space will create special and cherished memories.
The palliative care room has received $37,000 in donations, this will cover the infrastructure and electrical renovations that have been already started, yet funds are still needed to achieve the goal to serve you and the ones you love.
The Palliative-Family Hospice Committee is accepting personal, corporate, organization and business monetary donations toward this project.
