Fraser Health has announced it is reopening all 10 beds at the Irene Thomas Hospice in Ladner on Thursday.
“People have the right to access hospice services if and when they need them, which is why we are so committed to ensuring these services remain available in Delta and in all communities across our province,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix in a news release. “The reopening of the Irene Thomas Hospice is an important day for the community of Delta, and I am so pleased that these services will be available now and for many years to come.”
Fraser Health said that since taking possession of the site from the Delta Hospice Society, and about to assume operational control, it worked quickly to make needed upgrades and repairs to the building to offer the right environment and ensure appropriate staffing is in place to care for patients.
“The opening of the Irene Thomas Hospice tomorrow marks a significant milestone for the community of Delta, and specifically for people seeking access to these important services,” said Jim Sinclair, chair of the Fraser Health board of directors. “We remain committed to putting our patients and their families first, and to ensuring that if and when the time comes that a person needs access to end-of-life care, they can do so in a facility that is tailored to meet their needs. Thank you to all the people in the community and City Council for their support through this transition,” he said.
Fraser Health added it is pleased to open the site to support patients and their families with access to 24-hour end-of-life care in a home-like environment, including services designed to provide care and comfort.
Fraser Health said people seeking a referral to the Irene Thomas Hospice for end-of-life care can do so by calling the Home Health Service Line at 1-855-412-2121 for an assessment from the Hospice Palliative Care Consultation Team.
