Bethell Hospice Executive Director excited for benefits of Hospice Dufferin integration

Bethell Hospice will be single point of access for hospice care in Dufferin and Caledon

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Last week, Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin announced they were joining forces to create one point of access for hospice palliative care, grief and bereavement, and community care services in Dufferin and Caledon.

As of October 1, Hospice Dufferin's services will be hosted under the Bethell Hospice banner. 

Bethell Hospice Executive Director Margaret Paan said the integration of Hospice Dufferin into Bethell Hospice has been in the works for a while and that there are many benefits to the change. 

“We can learn a lot from Dufferin; they've been doing community visits and other programs for decades,” said Paan.

As a larger organization, Bethell Hospice has lots of flexibility and a large staff team that's ready to offer its services to Dufferin residents. 

Paan said one of the great things about Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin coming together is that it creates a singular point of access for hospice care in Dufferin and Caledon.

“When people are facing a palliative care journey, the last thing they need is confusion when trying to figure out hospice care,” said Paan.

Paan said it was the right time for the two organizations to come together and continue to provide amazing service while looking to the future to provide new and expanded services. 

Bethell Hospice is extremely proud of its dedicated staff, said Paan, and is committed to providing the best care. 

“There's no other hospice residence in Peel or Dufferin so [our] ten beds are critical,” said Paan. “Our services are very well-received and supported by the community.”

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones is in full support of Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin coming together.

“Hospice Dufferin and Bethell Hospice have played a vital role in connecting people and families

across Dufferin-Caledon to high-quality palliative care services,” said Jones. “By creating one point of access to palliative care, Bethell Hospice will continue to provide comfortable and dignified end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones closer to home.”

As mentioned in last week's article on Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin joining forces, Hospice Dufferin is inviting residents of Dufferin and Caledon to an event running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on August 27 at Hospice Dufferin (30 Centre Street, Orangeville) to celebrate the history and legacy of Hospice Dufferin. 

To register for the event, interested residents can visit the following link: www.eventbrite.ca/e/hospice-dufferin-tickets-972442270007.