The City of Delta is urging the Provincial Government and Fraser Health to take all necessary steps to ensure the continuation of service at the Irene Thomas Hospice for those needing palliative and hospice care in Delta. This includes the retention or rehiring of all current hospice care staff who have been laid off by the Delta Hospice Society in its latest attempt to sabotage opportunities for Delta residents to have hospice services in their community.
The City’s position and approach to this issue has been consistent over the past year as all of Council has been unanimous in the City’s efforts to ensure the long-term continuity of vital palliative and hospice care in the community at the Irene Thomas Hospice.
“I am committed to working with the Minister of Health and the Fraser Health Authority to ensure Delta residents have fair and equal access to palliative and hospice care in our community. Delta Council and I urge both Fraser Health and the Provincial Government to exercise all rights afforded to them under the lease and other means to continue providing high quality palliative and hospice care at this important Delta facility. We are also encouraging Delta residents to continue their effective involvement in this important issue by becoming members of the Hospice Society and by sharing their concerns with the Minister of Health.”
- Mayor George V. Harvie
On February 25, 2021 the service agreement between Fraser Health Authority and Delta Hospice Society, as well as associated funding for the Society, will terminate. Delta residents deserve uninterrupted, long-term access to palliative and hospice care according to the standards established by the Province and rights legislated by the Government of Canada.
View the letter sent by Mayor George V. Harvie to the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and Dr. Victoria Lee, President and CEO, Fraser Health Authority here.
For more information on this news release, contact the Mayor’s Office at 604-946-3210 or e-mail MayorHarvie@delta.ca.