The Ontario government is providing $1.078 million in one-time funding to continue a palliative-focused community support service pilot program at Matthews House Hospice.
This funding is being provided on behalf of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The program is expected to serve about 2,650 patients each year, with the goal of improving quality of life and reducing avoidable hospital visits.
Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, says the investment will support hospice staff and volunteers as they provide care to patients and their families.
“Matthews House Hospice provides compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness and essential support for their families and caregivers,” says Saunderson. “This investment will support its dedicated staff and volunteers as they help more people remain comfortably at home during a deeply personal time.”
Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones says the funding is part of the province’s efforts to help people access care in their communities.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments to ensure people can get the care they need, where and when they need it,” adds Jones. “Our investment in the community support service pilot program at Matthews House Hospice will help thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses remain safely and comfortably at home longer and reduce the need to visit a hospital.”
Margaret Bachle, CEO of Matthews House Hospice, says the funding is important to maintaining community programs, including memory care and dementia day services.
“Matthews House Hospice is incredibly grateful to MPP Brian Saunderson for his continued advocacy and to the Government of Ontario for providing $1.078 million in community funding. This funding is critical to sustaining this essential community program which includes our memory care and dementia day program. Participants rely on the connection and meaningful program activities. We are particularly appreciative of MPP Saunderson’s recognition of the value of community-based care and his ongoing support for Matthews House Hospice.”
Matthews House Hospice is located at 131 Wellington Street East in Alliston and has served South Simcoe County since 2003, including New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Essa, and Innisfil.
The hospice operates a 10-bed residence and offers more than 55 community support programs delivered by staff and volunteers.
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at:
- News1013@LocalRadio.ca (Milton)
- News1015@LocalRadio.ca (Orangeville)
- News92@LocalRadio.ca (South Simcoe)
- Rick.Sargent@LocalRadio.ca (Bolton)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
