Campaign for Hospice

Over ten years ago, members of our community dared to dream that it would be possible to have a place where dying people and their families would not be alone in dark times – that there would be a place that could bring moments of light during life’s most difficult journey.
Over the years, the Valley Hospice Foundation is fortunate to have created invaluable community partnerships.  With the shared visions and the strengths of these partnerships, we see clearly the light at the end of the tunnel.
Our collaboration with Annapolis Valley Health continues through the work of the Hospice Options Working Group.  The Hospice will be a key addition to the district’s palliative care program that cares for patients throughout the Valley.

Within the Annual Report of 2008, the first phase (or quiet phase) of a joint Capital Campaign - Our Community, Our Health was announced in partnership with the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation.  This joint fundraising effort is designed to address the funding of redevelopment projects at Valley Regional Hospital and to raise the funds needed to build the Hospice.  The initial phase has been important in establishing the groundwork for success. The results achieved during the “quiet” phase will have a very public impact.  While it is true that we have not launched the Campaign, it is important to note that we are well into the middle of it.   A number of funding partners have been formed and the momentum continues to build.  Our next goals are to broaden the scope of the volunteer fundraising committees, and to announce the success to the public during a launch in the coming year. 
- June 2009

Care in a Free Standing Environment
Lessons learned over the years since the Foundation’s inception has provided a format for a beautiful and purpose-built facility.  The facility will be approximately 7500 square feet, and is specifically designed to serve hospice palliative patients in a peaceful, comfortable, home-like environment that features:

• Landscaping with therapeutic gardens
• Sensitive use of colors
• Natural light and ventilation
• 8 Private Bedrooms/washrooms
• Gathering areas – Living Room, Kitchen/dining area
• “Quiet” Room for reflection
• Separate entrance  
• Resource room and appropriate office/conference spaces

  Common Spaces

• A reception area equipped with a domestic style desk.
• A living room that includes a children’s play area, comfortable seating, fireplace, artwork, plants, TV/VCR, bookshelves and music.  It will have large windows to the gardens.
• A kitchen/ dining area that includes tables and chairs, refrigerators, microwave, counter and shelving.
• A public washroom.

Bedroom Wing

• 8 private bedrooms with an ensuite washroom.   Each will have room for a loved one to stay overnight and will be designed to have a large window with a view to the gardens.
• A tub/shower room for patients and shower room for families/friends.
• A “Quiet Room” close to the entrance of the bedroom wing, designed to suit persons of any faith and create a spiritual environment. 
• Work spaces for staff that are unobtrusive and avoid the appearance of a hospital unit. 
• Offices and appropriate storage space needed.

Link

There will be a section built to link the hospice to the hospital.  This adjoining part will be designed as an atrium with plants, large windows, etc. 
 
Resource/Office/Conference Space

The Hospice will be built to include a lower level that when finished in Phase 2 of the project  will be a resource centre for learning opportunities for professionals and volunteers who work with dying people and will provide space for creative and grief support programs.  It will also allow for additional office/meeting space for the District Palliative Care Team.

Architectural Renderings:

North Side
South Side