Group advocates for hospice to service Norfolk, Haldimand

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Last year, the Ontario government announced it would be funding additional residential hospice beds in Ontario over the next few years.

Knowing the need in the community, Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, a family physician in Simcoe, and several others formed a group to “demonstrate a readiness in our community for a residential hospice.”

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“Knowing that the bricks and mortar are likely several years away, we are already working on developing programs in the community to support people living with life-limiting illness, or living with the loss of a loved one,” said Martin-Godelie.

She envisions a six-bed hospice somewhere central to the two large counties of Norfolk and Haldimand, perhaps in the area of Townsend.

Martin-Godelie has been providing palliative care in the community for the last decade, most recently as part of the Norfolk Palliative Care Outreach team that operates out of the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford.

But she said the 10 beds at Stedman aren’t sufficient to cover the needs of three communities.

“We need more beds,“ said Martin-Godelie. “Also, there are many older people in the community who are visiting people in hospice in Brantford. It’s a long way to go.”

Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe has three palliative beds. Although the hospital provides quality care, Martin-Godelie said it’s “not as homey an atmosphere” as a hospice.

While they await a place of their own, the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice is moving ahead with the development of an eight-week bereavement group to be launched this year.

Several fundraisers are being held to grow the programs that will likely be held in local churches and community halls. There is even talk of starting a walking group that wouldn’t require indoor space.

“The need for the supportive care is pretty great,” said Martin-Godelie.

Those involved with Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice hope that once the province provides beds for the area, a capital campaign can be launched for the construction of a building. Martin-Godelie estimates the cost at about $6 million.

The group is holding a fundraiser called My Funny Valentine, an evening of wine, chocolate and smooth jazz by crooner Matt Dusk, on Feb. 13 at The Studio, Hamilton Place. Tickets are $50, available on Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospices’ Facebook page.

The group also is hosting town hall-style meetings and what they’re calling “The Die-logues,” to raise awareness about their cause. One will be held next month at the West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville.