Dr. Alyssa Boyd, CCFP, FCFP (PC), Medical Director, Hospice Georgian Triangle shows us her new clinic, conveniently located in downtown Collingwood. Launched in the spring of this year, this new office aims to reach people earlier in their journey through palliative care. And why is that important? Because, explains Dr. Boyd, “Earlier intervention with quality palliative care, means not only increasing the quality of the life people are still living, but also even increasing length of life by up to 25%.”
Pain and symptom management means a review of medications, a transition from curative treatments to focusing on quality of life, as well as offering counselling or caregiver support to ensure the entire caregiving unit is supported.
To be eligible for this new Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Clinic, patients will have a life limiting illness, be in their last year of life, and have a referral from either their family physician or a specialty clinic, such as oncology as an example.
What is the cost of these services? Zero. Just like all services provided by Hospice Georgian Triangle, there is never a cost to the patient/client. Services are covered approximately 50% through government funding, and 50% through donations from our generous community.
Dame Cicely Saunders, a pioneer in the field of palliative medicine born in the United Kingdom in 1918, realized that the care provided to people dying in hospitals left a lot to be desired. “There was nothing more that could be done” was a statement that Dr. Saunders was not prepared to accept.
Hospice Georgian Triangle provides compassionate care in the home or at Campbell House for families dealing with life-limiting illness in the communities of Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood and the Town of the Blue Mountains. Care programs focus on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient and family, enhancing quality of life.
To be eligible for this new Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Clinic, patients will have a life limiting illness, be in their last year of life, and have a referral from either their family physician or a specialty clinic, such as oncology as an example.
To learn more, please visit www.HospiceGeorgianTriangle.com or call 705.444.2555 ext. 7520 to speak to Trish Rawn, Executive Director, Hospice Georgian Triangle, located in Collingwood, Ontario.
