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ARCH thrilled with funding increase (2 photos)

Government increases per-bed funding

A good news day for Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH).

Sault MPP David Orazietti was on hand to announce a provincial funding increase of $150,000 annually for the hospice, located at 229 Fourth Line West.

The funding is a top up to the amount of $966,000 the province gives annually to ARCH.

A report released by the Canadian Cancer Society in January called on the federal and provincial governments to guarantee, through legislation, access to high quality palliative care for Canadians facing the end of their lives.

The 2016 Ontario budget and Wednesday's funding increase announcement at ARCH would seem to show the provincial government has taken steps toward that.

"We're thrilled with the government's announcement and commitment," said Theresa Mudge, ARCH executive director, speaking to SooToday.

"It's a very exciting time for us in hospice palliative care, never has there been more attention and focus on it . . . we're really pleased the government is recognizing this and providing incremental funding for what we do."

"At a time when there is increasing need and our population is getting older, the public is starting to understand what hospice means and the value it delivers, and I applaud the government for recognizing that."

"We will still have to raise $600,000 each year (through fundraising) for utilities, heat, light, food…but this really, really helps us," Mudge said.

While not detracting from the care provided in palliative care units in hospitals, Mudge said hospice facilities provide an edge in end-of-life care.

"Hospice palliative care is a holistic philosophy that focuses on living fully and that an individual is living to the end."

"It's compassion in the truest sense."

"This is a very important investment in our community because ARCH has been and continues to be an absolutely essential service for end-of-life services in our community," Orazietti told SooToday.

"Hospital services are required at various times, but for those who wish and prefer the option to be here, ARCH offers a more home-like setting."

Approximately 150 terminally-ill individuals are cared for and their families comforted at the 10-bed facility annually, Mudge said.

ARCH opened its doors in 2008.

Apart from medical and administrative staff, an active core of 140 volunteers provide, on average, 15,000 hours of service to ARCH every year.

Wednesday's funding announcement comes through on a 2016 provincial budget promise to increase funding to hospice facilities.

The government will be spending $13.9 million over three years for hospice facilities across Ontario ($15,000 per adult bed and $22,400 per pediatric bed each year).

That funding is part of a larger, additional $75 million over three years to give patients more options when it comes to end-of-life care, including the building of 20 new hospice facilities in Ontario and home-based palliative care services.

There are currently 39 hospices in Ontario.

Apart from providing a more comfortable level of care for terminally-ill patients, offering end-of-life care in a home-like environment for patients and their families, hospice care is not as expensive as palliative care in hospitals.

"Research tells us that hospital care is approximately $1,100 a day, hospice care by comparison is about $460 a day and is often the preferred option…our government recognizes the critical role our hospices play in the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care," Orazietti said.

Apart from the valuable services offered by ARCH, arrangements can be made for home-based palliative care though contacting the  Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) or ARCH at 705-942-1556.

A news release from Sault MPP David Orazietti's office follows.

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Orazietti announces $150,000 in new annual funding for Algoma Residential Community Hospice

Province Increasing Supports for End-of-Life Care in Sault Ste. Marie

As part of the 2016 Budget, the provincial government is investing an additional $75 million over three years to provide patients with more options and access to community-based palliative and end-of-life care. Ontario is increasing investments in hospice services across the province by $13.9 million over three years, including funding for the Algoma Residential Community Hospice in Sault Ste. Marie, announced David Orazietti MPP today.

“This important investment will allow ARCH to direct more resources to patient care by providing loved ones and their families with the support they need,” said Orazietti.  “We are committed to enhancing end-of-life care in order to give all Ontarians choices during difficult times and ensure they can live their final days with as much dignity and comfort as possible.”

As part of its commitment to strengthening access to palliative and end-of-life care, the $13.9 million additional investment across the province will increase funding for existing hospice beds by $15,000 per adult bed and $22,400 per pediatric bed.  ARCH Hospice will be receiving a funding increase of $150,000 annually.

The increased funding for existing hospice beds will help ensure that the high-quality palliative and end-of-life care provided by hospices remains in the community for future generations. This investment will enhance compassionate end-of-life support that relieves suffering and improves the quality of living and dying.

Some previous provincial investments since 2003 for ARCH hospice and palliative care include:

  • $2.7 million to build ARCH hospice
  • $966,000 ARCH annual funding (increase of $320,000 in 2011)
  • $427,164 for shared cared palliative team *ARCH Connect”
  • Passed property tax exemption legislation for non-profit hospices in Ontario

“We are grateful for the Ontario Government’s commitment of additional funding to support quality community hospice palliative care,” said Theresa Mudge, Executive Director, ARCH Hospice.  “Hospice care helps people live well until the natural end of life, and it supports the health and well-being of families and caregivers at a difficult time of their lives.” 

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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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