NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2009CFD0014-000619 November 13, 2009

Ministry of Children and Family Development

 

PROVINCE SUPPORTS PALLIATIVE CARE FOR B.C. KIDS

 

VANCOUVER – A $2.63-million grant to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will support palliative care for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, Minister of Children and Family Development Mary Polak announced today.

 

“Canuck Place is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of end-of-life care for B.C.’s children,” said Polak. “This facility, and its extraordinary staff and volunteers, offers world-class care, respite, support and understanding to children, youth and families facing profoundly difficult circumstances.” 

 

Created in 1995, Canuck Place is North America’s first free-standing children’s hospice providing a continuum of quality care – including respite, symptom management, end-of-life care and counselling – to more than 375 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout B.C.  The Vancouver facility is located in a heritage house and provides 24-hour in-house care with nine beds and four family suites in a warm, home-like environment.

 

“Canuck Place is extremely grateful for this grant that will help us offer comfort, care and joy for B.C. children and their families living with life-threatening illnesses,” said Filomena Nalewajek, CEO of Canuck Place. “We are proud to partner with the government of British Columbia and thank them for their continued commitment to our program.”

 

In addition to the B.C. government, the hospice has a strong network of community-based support that includes the Vancouver Canucks and other corporate sponsors and organizations as well as individuals. Patient care is available to families at no cost.

 

Canuck Place and the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s nursing support services and at home program, B.C. Children’s Hospital and health authorities are key partners in the delivery of services for children with progressive, life-limiting illnesses, province-wide.

 

“The care team at Canuck Place offered our family a lifeline when we needed it most,” said Janet Homeniuk, a Canuck Place parent who lost her son Andrew to illness and who serves as chair of the Canuck Place Family Advisory Council. “They helped us cope as a family during unimaginably challenging times. I don’t know what we would have done without them. On behalf of the families helped by Canuck Place, I want to extend our thanks for the government’s financial support.” 

 

Since 2001, the Ministry of Children and Family Development has provided approximately $7.5 million in funding to Canuck Place. Annual funding support is also provided by the Provincial Health Services Authority.

 

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Contact:

Christine Ash Media Relations Manager Ministry of Children and Family Development 250 356-1553

 

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