Canada’s Ontario Government has announced an investment of up to C$19.75m ($14.52m) to increase the number of hospice beds in the province to enhance end-of-life care.
With the latest funding, the government aims to add up to 84 new adult hospice beds along with 12 new paediatric hospice beds, enabling patients to access comfortable palliative care closer to home.
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The capital funding, which is part of the Ontario government’s 2024 budget, will bring the total number of publicly funded hospice beds across the province to around 768.
According to the provincial government, an expression of interest (EOI) for the new adult hospice beds has been released, with the beds anticipated to be operational by 2027.
The EOI, now open for four weeks, will close on 18 October 2024.
A thorough evaluation process will be conducted, which will include assessing the capacity of the demand for hospice beds.
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By GlobalDataHospice residences currently in operation or other entities interested in developing or expanding new hospice beds are encouraged to contact their local Ontario Health Region for more information.
Ontario is also seeking applicants with long-term expansion plans to cater to the future needs of the province’s growing communities.
Since 2018, the province has allocated more than C$26.5m to create 153 new hospice beds, providing more families with access to enhanced end-of-life care options.
So far, the province has established ten new paediatric hospice beds at Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta Children’s Hospice, which is the first paediatric hospice in the Hamilton region.
In addition, two new paediatric beds have been added at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
Ontario Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said: “Our government is ensuring people and their families have access to the comprehensive care they need in their community, close to their loved ones, at every stage of life.
“By investing in the expansion of end-of-life care in communities across the province, we are taking another step to connect Ontarians to compassionate and specialised care closer to home.”
The latest move comes as part of the provincial government’s “Your Health” plan, under which efforts are being made to streamline access to care for individuals of all ages, ensuring they receive the necessary services where and when needed.
This encompasses a commitment of up to C$147.4m over three years to enhance palliative care services and boost funding for all hospice beds across the province by 45%.
