Vancouver’s medicine is distinguished by a high level of professionalism and medical services. It is especially evident in institutions, which treat children.
In this article, we will tell you about Vancouver’s Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. It became the first medical institution of its kind in all of British Columbia.
Learn more about this hospital at ivancouver.
History
The opening of the first children’s hospice, called Canuck Place, took place in 1995.
The history of this medical institution began back in 1988. Then nurse Brenda Eng returned to Vancouver after completing an internship at British Helen & Douglas House.
Colleagues and public figures helped Brenda establish the Human Understanding, Growth and Sharing Foundation, which later contributed to the creation of the children’s hospice.
The foundation raised funds over the next few years.
In 1991, the Vancouver Canucks hockey club and other organizations joined the foundation as permanent partners. Some of them were Loven Group, Variety Club and The Vancouver Sun newspaper.
Hospice building
The Vancouver city administration leased an old mansion to the hospice’s inpatient unit. The building’s area reached 1,500 square meters and the rent cost was $1 per year.
The process of restoring and equipping the hospice lasted about three years. The first patients arrived at Canuck Place on November 30, 1995.
Patients
Later, the hospice began to provide medical services to 350 young patients under the age of 19.
Its patients suffered from metabolic, cardiac and nervous diseases.
Budget
27% of the institution’s total budget is allocated by the government. Another 20% is contributed by the hockey club. The rest is contributed by charitable organizations and private individuals.
Services and personnel
Hospice services are available to patients at all stages of the disease. Its staff helps patients at their homes and in other Vancouver hospitals.
In addition to the inpatient unit, the hospice also operates the Madison Outpatient Clinic.
The hospice inpatient service provides
- medical care
- palliative therapy
- and symptom relief.
The hospice staff is represented by doctors who are well-known and highly qualified specialists in palliative medicine.
Many of them combine work in the hospice and other Vancouver hospitals and medical centers. They are also engaged in teaching activities at higher educational institutions.
Hospice’s internal structure
Children and their families stay in the hospice free of charge.
The institution is equipped with a kitchen and a canteen where cooks and volunteers prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners for young patients, their relatives and doctors.
The hospice also has a room designated for family stays.
Interestingly, you can even bring pets (a cat or a dog) there, but their stay must be coordinated with the administration. Each animal must be vaccinated and have a special vet certificate. Animals aren’t allowed only in the canteen.
Education
Children can continue their schooling at the hospice. Local teachers are assisted by volunteers.
The classes are equipped with computers and TV sets. There are children who study according to the regular school curriculum, but there are also those with individual programmes.
Photo source: canuckplace.org