ABOUT

We are a not-for-profit society society that provides timely and easily accessible services for those who that need them on Salt Spring Island. We are a mainly volunteer led organization composed of a Board of Directors, Coordinators, and selected and specifically trained volunteers to meet the needs of the community. Our Coordinators and volunteers provide comfort for the patient and support for the family, rather than a cure for progressive and life limiting illness.

It began in 1984 under the name of Bessie Dane Foundation in memory of Bessie Dane, a retired nurse who did her own kind of Hospice work. Our mandate was very broad as support services on Island were few. We then became a registered Society in 1989 under the Societies Act. Over the years since, health services have grown and the Salt Spring Hospice Society has evolved to accommodate the needs of the Island.

Having no physical facility of our own, Salt Spring Hospice Society describes a set of services rather than a location. We have funded a palliative suite in Lady Minto Hospital and are the volunteer component of the Lady Minto Palliative Care Program. In addition to the hospital, we also carry out our services in Residential Care and private homes. We support those recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, to those with a chronic or terminal illness, to their families, friends, other care givers, and persons recently bereaved.

We have concentrated on end of life care, grief support, vigils, ongoing education and training for members as well provide information, education and awareness to the Community.

A hospice is really a philosophy of care. It’s really about making the end of life as worthwhile as the rest.