DRHC Palliative Care Redevelopment Project moving along

Thanks to generous public contributions so far, the Palliative Care Redevelopment Project at Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) has been making some headway. The project, which is being undertaken in two phases, will see renovations and upgrades completed within the four Palliative Care Unit rooms and family room. This includes overall wall repairs, purchasing of new furniture and securing new TVs, which is all part of the initial phase.

The second phase of the project, which has not yet commenced, would see a request go forward to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living, via Prairie Mountain Health, to consider the approval to purchase new palliative care beds.

DRHC Care Team Manager Jean Ann Fisher says creating a comfortable, home-like and dignified environment for end of life care patients —and their families— is the key objective with the project.

“We’ve been able to get started with the first phase due to generosity from individuals, groups and organizations both in the Dauphin/Parkland area and from outside it as well,” Fisher said.

“The Dauphin Hospital Foundation has been very supportive committing $15,000 to the initiative this past year. We’ve also had a few community organizations that have donated directly to the redevelopment (via the Foundation) and we can’t thank them enough. Working with the Foundation and our community partners, we hope to continue the good work that has started on this project.”

Some of the larger community donations for the project over the past year came from the Dauphin Ukrainian Orthodox Young Men’s Society ($5,000), the Dauphin Community Foundation ($5,000), Dauphin Knights of Columbus ($3,000), Cargill ($2,500) and Reit-Syd Equipment ($500).

“The Dauphin Hospital Foundation, and the Dauphin Ladies Health Care Auxiliary, remain committed to this very important renovation project. Together, we sincerely thank all those who have donated to the Foundation for this initiative to date, and we very much appreciate those in the health care field who have volunteered their time to enhance end of life care within our health centre,” stated Doug Deans, Chairperson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation.

The last time any direct enhancements of the unit took place was over 16 years ago. In 2003, four patient rooms from the hospital’s medicine ward were renovated to form the Palliative Care Unit as it exists today. A former patient room was also converted to a Unit family room.

Dauphin Hospital Foundation thanks contributors to date

Those still wishing to contribute towards the project can get in touch with the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, through the DRHC Business Office, at (204) 638-3010: Extension 1826.