Victoria Hospice is a relatively large hospice palliative care and bereavement program in a community of approximately 375,000 (Victoria, British Columbia). Founded in 1980, it has a staff of approximately 116 full-time, part-time, and casual (on-call) staff and more than 300 active volunteers. It is a registered charity that provides end-of-life care, education, and research focused on palliative treatment. Its nurses, counselors, spiritual caregivers, physicians, and trained volunteers provide comfort for the patient and support for the family rather than a cure for progressive and life-limiting illness. Care is offered in patients’ homes, within a 17-bed in-patient unit, and as specific medical consultation to patients in other healthcare facilities. Victoria Hospice also offers bereavement support to families for up to one year following a death.
Mission: To enhance the quality of life for those facing advancing illness, death, and bereavement through skilled and compassionate care, education, research, and advocacy.
