DUNCAN, BC - Island Health issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking proponents to develop a schematic design for a proposed hospice that would provide care and support to people nearing the end of their lives in the Cowichan region.
A schematic design is the next step in the journey of exploring the possibility of a new hospice facility in the community by 2020, to meet the growing needs of the region into the future.
In consultation with our partners at the Cowichan Hospice Task Force, led by Cowichan Hospice, it was determined that the best location for a proposed hospice would be a new build connected to Cairnsmore Place care facility in Duncan.
A schematic design allows Island Health and Cowichan Hospice to determine the capital and operating costs associated with this project and will be a critical step in establishing the potential project’s scope. Once defined, and the capital costs outlined, the project would then be submitted to the Cowichan Hospice Board, Island Health Board and subsequently government for approval.
Cowichan Hospice has committed to fund the schematic design costs. If approved, Cowichan Hospice would lead community fundraising for 100 per cent of the construction costs and Island Health would fund ongoing operating costs for five new hospice beds.
Island Health is committed to enhancing hospice services in the Cowichan region as part of a long term strategy to double the number of hospice spaces across Vancouver Island from 32 to 64 beds by 2020.
The RFP can be viewed at BC Bid at www.bcbid.ca.
Partner quotes:
Health Minister Adrian Dix
“Patients faced with moving into a hospice need safe, supporting and compassionate care. If approved, this new hospice will help strengthen services in the Cowichan Valley and help support families during what is often a difficult time.”
Kathy MacNeil, Island Health Interim President and CEO
“As partners in health and care, we are honoured to work with communities to improve health services for patients and families across our service region; this RFP advances the journey towards greater support for a better end-of-life care experience for patients and their loved ones.”
Gretchen Hartley, Executive Director, Cowichan Hospice Society
“A new hospice house will provide the quality care that our community needs and deserves for loved ones at the end of life. We are pleased that the hospice will be welcoming to family members however defined, as part of the team of care.”
Media contact:
Meribeth Burton
Island Health Communications
250-519-1815
meribeth.burton@islandhealth.ca