Province's first hospice residence opens its doors in Halifax

Hospice Halifax, the province's first hospice residence, celebratedits opening Wednesday by cutting a ribbon on Francklyn Street.

The $7-million facility will provide a residence for people who need care but no longer require hospital care and treatment is no longer an option.

"It's impossible to express the level of gratitude we feel for the years of ongoing support we've received from our funding partners, donors, volunteersand community members," Gordon Neal, CEO of Hospice Halifax, saidin a news release.

The facility will welcome patients and families by the end of the month.

Patients who wishto book a room can do so with the assistance of a health-care professional by making a request for assessment.

Each room has a different design, decor and colours.The hospice made sure to provide comfort for its patients by designing home-like rooms as much as possible.

For now there are 10 beds. The goal is 30.

The hospice features a family kitchen, dining room, living room,a children's play room, outdoor terraces and garden, overnight accommodation for families, a house kitchen for patient meals and quiet areas. There isalso a centre to provide training and education.

"This wonderful facility will have a positive impact on so many Nova Scotia patients and families, as loved ones receive the best of end-of-life care," Premier Stephen McNeilsaid in a news release.

Fifty clinical-care workers, supported by a nurse manager, a medical directorand about 100 volunteers, will provide care.