Hospice Palliative Care Services in BC:
Vancouver Island

Mount St. Mary Hospital
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Mailing Address:
999 Burdett Ave.
Victoria, BC
V8V 3G7

Tel: (250) 384-7158
Fax:

BCHPCA Components of Care

Administration
A Palliative Care Advisory Committee reports through the Nurse Manager to the CEO, to the Board.  Membership on this committee includes employees from all disciplines and departments, direct caregivers and managers as well as a family member and a representative from Victoria Hospice.  The role of the committee is to guide the Palliative Care Program and participate in planning and evaluating program development.

Volunteer Program
Specially trained volunteers provide support to residents, their families and staff through a variety of activities including 1:1 visits, vigils and bereavement support.  Currently there are 19 volunteers actively involved, who have completed the 9 week training program.  A Volunteer Coordinator and Pastoral Care Coordinator share responsibility for these volunteers.  A monthly volunteer support group and educational meeting is held.

Hospital Program
The MSMH Palliative Care Program is focused on service to residents living within this extended care facility, their families, staff and volunteers.  The average age of these 126 residents is 86 years.  The Palliative Care Program is implemented with regular extended care staffing levels and funding and strong volunteer support.

Spiritual & Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is provided by 2 part-time employees and volunteers.  Diverse religious services and spiritual support offered.

Symptom Management
Assessment and treatment of symptoms is done collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.

Bereavement Program
Pastoral care staff and volunteers offer 1:1 support, follow-up phone calls, home visits.  Regular memorial services are held with staff and volunteer participation.  Referral to outside agencies occurs if necessary.

Education and Professional Training
A nine-week training program for volunteers and staff is offered annually with support from Victoria Hospice. Education includes outside speakers who deal with all aspects of palliative care.

Organizational Mission Statement
Founded by the Sisters of Saint Ann, Mount St. Mary is a Catholic health facility, affiliated with the Capital Health Region, and dedicated to providing compassionate loving care to adults of all faiths who are assessed at the Extended Care level. We are committed to caring for the physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs of all those we serve, in close cooperation with their families and friends.

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