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Delta Hospice Society fights for authentic palliative care at upcoming AGM
Historic constitution vote to determine DHS’s right to reject pro-euthanasia legislation
Delta, BC, March 7, 2022 — A leader in authentic palliative care for over 30 years, Delta Hospice Society (DHS) is holding its first-ever virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11 am (Pacific time). This historic meeting will determine the future of Delta Hospice Society. New bylaws and constitutional amendments will be introduced to protect Delta Hospice Society’s right to provide life-affirming palliative care and reject medical assistance in dying (MAiD) legislation within its private organization.
DHS defends membership rights on national stage
Over the past 26 months Delta Hospice Society has undergone more challenges than any other time over its 30-year history. As a small palliative-care organization committed to upholding life to its natural conclusion, DHS refused to provide euthanasia services at its former 10-bed hospice (Ladner, BC). Fraser Health Authority, on behalf of the provincial government, cancelled its $1.5 million per year contract and expropriated both DHS facilities built on Fraser Health Authority land. DHS is now on the national stage defending its right to provide only true palliative care services for families across Canada.
On Saturday, March 26, Delta Hospice Society members—in good standing as of the October 22, 2021, membership cut-off date—will vote on a revised constitution and bylaws that will ensure that Delta Hospice Society only provide palliative care that affirms life to its natural end. These proposed changes are entirely aligned with the official positions of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) and the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians—that palliative care and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) are “fundamentally different practices” because “MAiD is not part of the practice of hospice palliative care” (CHPCA and CSPCP ‘Joint Call to Action,’ 2019, https://www.chpca.ca/news/chpca-and-cspcp-joint-call-to-action/).
DHS defends membership rights on national stage
Over the past 26 months Delta Hospice Society has undergone more challenges than any other time over its 30-year history. As a small palliative-care organization committed to upholding life to its natural conclusion, DHS refused to provide euthanasia services at its former 10-bed hospice (Ladner, BC). Fraser Health Authority, on behalf of the provincial government, cancelled its $1.5 million per year contract and expropriated both DHS facilities built on Fraser Health Authority land. DHS is now on the national stage defending its right to provide only true palliative care services for families across Canada.
On Saturday, March 26, Delta Hospice Society members—in good standing as of the October 22, 2021, membership cut-off date—will vote on a revised constitution and bylaws that will ensure that Delta Hospice Society only provide palliative care that affirms life to its natural end. These proposed changes are entirely aligned with the official positions of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) and the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians—that palliative care and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) are “fundamentally different practices” because “MAiD is not part of the practice of hospice palliative care” (CHPCA and CSPCP ‘Joint Call to Action,’ 2019, https://www.chpca.ca/news/chpca-and-cspcp-joint-call-to-action/).
“All members are urged to attend and make Canada’s voice for life-affirming palliative care heard,” remarks Angelina Ireland, President, Delta Hospice Society. “The future of our Society, millions in assets, and our right as a private organization to practice authentic palliative care are at stake.”DHS Advance Directives that affirm life
To further promote authentic palliative care, Delta Hospice Society has recently created a ‘Do Not Euthanize’ (DNE) Advanced Directive and made it available to DHS’s nearly 14,000 members. This directive—a legal document—advances the rights of the holders against attempts to have their life terminated unnaturally through medical intervention.
Delta CARE Helpline
Delta CARE Helpline
Delta Hospice Society develops innovative resources to empower and support families and caregivers to help those who are bereaved to live meaningfully. To further our commitment to Canadian families, Delta Hospice Society has launched Delta CARE Helpline, a national voice for life-affirming, compassionate palliative care counselling. Delta CARE Helpline provides practical advice for individuals and families struggling with difficult end-of-life circumstances or bereavement. For the first time, callers from across Canada will be able to ask questions about palliative care, receive educational resources, enrol in facilitated peer support groups, or be referred to a professional counsellor for a no-charge 60-minute counselling session.
About Delta Hospice Society:
About Delta Hospice Society:
Delta Hospice Society was incorporated in July 1991 in the province of British Columbia as a non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors, and dedicated to helping families and individuals experiencing life-threatening diagnoses, advanced illness, or bereavement to live a life of meaning, comfort, dignity, and hope. Delta Hospice Society is actively involved in promoting authentic, life-affirming palliative care locally, provincially, and nationally.
For more information, please contact:
For more information, please contact:
Angelina Ireland,
President Delta Hospice Society
1521 56 Street Delta, BC V4L 2A9
1-800-232-1589
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