The rallying cry, “New West Needs a Hospice” has been heard by the Fraser Health Board.

On Wednesday, February 26th, New West Hospice Society made a presentation to the Fraser Health Authority’s public board meeting. Co-President Dr. Wendy Johnson, Director Karl Moser, and Manager of Social Planning John Stark from the City of New Westminster presented a 6-page brief to the FHA Board.

The brief included some main facts about hospice care in New Westminster and the challenges facing the future of the community:

• Unlike the provincial average of 8.5 hospice beds per 100,000 population, New West is in the FHA North zone that only provides 5 beds per 100,000 people
• Hospice beds save money – an estimated $500/day for a hospice bed versus a $1500/day hospital bed!
• Growth projections forecast New West to experience the greatest population increase in all of Metro Vancouver! More than Surrey, as a matter of fact. Between 2021-2050 Metro will grow by 51.2%, while New West is forecast to grow by 72.2%.
• 3-4 weeks+ wait times at nearby hospice facilities suggest there is already a great need for a hospice in New Westminster
• The Mayor and Council of New Westminster unanimously passed a motion directing staff to “explore potential locations for Hospice services” in current and future development applications

The presentation was well-received and both the Chair of FHA and a Vice-President of the FHA Executive committed to meeting soon to discuss “possibilities” with the New West Hospice Society Board!