ONTARIO HOSPICES DELIVER VITAL MESSAGE TO QUEEN'S PARK

"We're all going to die, and we're all losing loved ones. Now, more than ever, people need the right care in the right place at the end of life. And this support comes at a cost."

This was the message delivered to MPPs at Queen's Park on Oct. 31 from Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) members. Hospices are funded in large part by community fundraising with the government now covering an average of 35 per cent of current operating costs for hospice residences.

It is imperative the government understands the benefits to increased support for hospice palliative care.The Auditor General, the Ontario Medical Association and HPCO have all warned that more hospices are needed to meet the growing demand for end-oflife care.

HPCO says the government can increase annual funding to hospices by $45M a year and still manage to reduce the cost of care by $200M by keeping people out of hospitals and in more comfortable and appropriate hospice settings.

At Bethell Hospice, government funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health covers only direct care medical staffing costs.

Every other cost is funded directly from donations to reach the $1.5M needed to keep the doors open. It is the hope of HPCO and every Ontario hospice that the government will step up and increase funding for those experiencing end-oflife care.Bethell Hospice is so grateful for every gift received from the community, especially at this time of year for our celebration of light and love holiday campaign appeal. Clearly the need is greater now more than ever. For more information, please go to bethellhospice.org.