Rae Announces over $300,000 for Palliative Care in Perth County

[Stratford, ON]— Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth would be receiving $378,400, which represents a 45 percent increase, in top-up funding for the operation of 8 existing palliative care beds.

“It is important our palliative care patients receive high-quality care locally,” Rae said. “This funding will ensure they have the supports, when and where they need it. I’m glad our provincial government continues to make these vital investments in our rural healthcare system.”

This investment is part of Ontario’s $147.4 million investment over three years in communities across the province, connecting more Ontarians to comfortable and dignified palliative care close to home and their loved ones.

“When people approach the end of their life, they deserve to know that they can remain in their community, near loved ones,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Expanding access to end-of-life care in Ontario communities will provide patients and their families with additional choices, helping to ensure they stay close to home in a familiar setting, with the specialized care they need.”

This additional funding will help provide nursing, personal support, and other important services. Ontario is investing over $53.8 million over the next two years to increase funding by 45 per cent for all approved hospice beds in Ontario, plus an additional increase for hospice beds in small facilities.

“We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive this additional funding towards our clinical operational costs,” Louise Lepp, Executive Director of Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth said. “These funds are critical for our hospice to continue serving and reaching the needs of individuals and their families, at one of the most vulnerable times in their life. We are grateful to the Ministry of Health, in recognizing the importance and value of Hospice care in our communities.”

Since its opening in July 2019, and thanks to the support of the community and the Ministry of Health, Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth has provided over 280 individuals with the care they need, at no cost them.

Expanding care options in the community is a key part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the plan to help Ontario families connect to the care they need, in ways that are more convenient for them. Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth provides a peaceful, comfortable home with 24-hour specialized palliative and end-of-life care for those living with a terminal illness as well as support for those in their life circle.