Tucked into the rolling countryside of Warkworth, The Bridge Hospice has quietly become an important source of comfort and support for families facing end-of-life care.
Founded through grassroots community effort and volunteer support, the three-bed residential hospice first welcomed residents in 2013 and continues to provide free hospice palliative care to individuals and families across the region. While part of its operating funding comes from the Ministry of Health, the organization relies heavily on community donations and fundraising to continue operating.
Now, the hospice is celebrating a significant milestone: official accreditation through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.
Rebecca Marshall, Executive Director at The Bridge Hospice, says the achievement reflects more than a year of work from staff, volunteers and board members.
Marshall says accreditation confirms the hospice meets or exceeds rigorous standards in hospice palliative care and provides reassurance for residents and families using the service.
Clinical Manager Lindsay Andrew says the hospice focuses on creating a home-like environment where families can focus on spending meaningful time together.
The hospice includes family sitting areas, outdoor access from resident rooms and peaceful views overlooking Warkworth including visits from neighbouring horses and a donkey that have become favourites among residents and families.
Marshall tells us that community support remains central to the hospice’s operation.
That community support continues through annual fundraising events according to Andrew, who tells us their hospice golf tournament, which returns in July to the Warkworth Golf Club, often sells out well in advance.
The Bridge Hospice also offers grief support programming and community drop-in services that are open to everyone in the community.
For more information visit them on the web at thebridgehospice.com.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
