![\"BC](\"https:\/\/news.consciencelaws.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/irenethomashospice.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cMAiD is a separate public health care stream, distinct and apart from palliative care. If the government wants to open MAiD facilities that\u2019s their option, but they must not be allowed to download it onto the backs of private palliative care facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPalliative care physicians and nurses believe in the philosophy of specialty palliative care and practice as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which maintains that palliative care provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms and which affirms life and regards death as a normal process. At no point does WHO include euthanasia as an aspect of palliative care!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forced closure of the facility ignores the fact that this is a privately owned hospice built on land leased from the government, employs more than fifty people and has contributed significantly to BC\u2019s public health care system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is an invasion of the historic medical discipline of palliative care. The Canadian model is respected around the world. The government and the health authority are running roughshod over that principle and reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms. Ireland expressed hope that \u201ceven at this late date\u201d Fraser Health Authority and the BC Ministry of Health will come to the table and discuss the issues, including the financial offer. \u201cOur deepest concern is with those patients and families who have entrusted their final days to us. We want to make sure those days are filled with comfort and peace. That is still our goal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ministry and the Authority have both publicly stated they plan to take control of the premises currently occupied by the Hospice. The Delta Hospice Society built the Irene Thomas Hospice without taxpayer funds, at the cost of approximately $9,000,000. The Society has operated the Irene Thomas Hospice for 10 years, providing more than 700,000 hours of volunteer labour and $30 million to the public health care system. For the government to step in and seize this private property is \u201ca scandalous appropriation of private assets,\u201d said Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Saturday April 4, a Rally for Delta Hospice will be held in front of the
Legislative Buildings at noon. Speakers include Dr. Margaret Cottle (palliative care physician) and Dr. Will Johnston (family physician and obstetrician) along with MP Tamara Jansen and Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For further information, contact:
Angelina Ireland. President Delta Hospice
irelandangelina@gmail.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"