Province funds hospice beds at Overlander Residential Care

Jan 20, 2017 | 8:27 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Province announced funding today to improve end-of-life care in Kamloops by adding four hospice care beds to Overlander Residential Care. 

$120,000 has been provided for the renovation and conversion of four rooms in the residential care facility. 

The rooms will mark the first embedded palliative beds Interior Health has implemented within a residential space. 

In addition to the private rooms, a main space with a kitchenette and television will allow families to visit with ease. 

The rooms are expected to be completed by next month. 

“A really critical piece of health service is helping people through end of life.” Health Minister Terry Lake said. “I know that for me and my family that was very important when my mom passed away. Everyone has a story about a family member and how important it is to have a graceful and respectful end of life. I think as a society we’re seeing that more and more, and so we have pledged to double the number of hospice spaces in the province by 2020.”

A $3,000 grant has also been allocated to the Kamloops Hospice Society to provide such things as workshops and training.