Hospice Vaughan establishes institute for 'world-class research'

The Pristine Homes Institute for Hospice Palliative Care made possible by $1.3 million donation

Yorkregion.com
June 5, 2019
Simone Joseph

Hospice Vaughan hopes that establishing a special institute will lead to world-class research and academic training opportunities.

“Today’s announcement represents another step forward in our mission to bring state-of-the-art palliative health care services right here to the City of Vaughan,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, honorary chair of Hospice Vaughan’s Better Ending Campaign.

The hospice held an event on May 22 to honour donors who contributed to the new Hospice Vaughan Institute.

Hospice Vaughan plans to open the expanded facility, the Mario and Nick Cortellucci Hospice Palliative Care Centre of Excellence, by late spring 2020, which will be home to the Pristine Homes Institute for Hospice Palliative Care. A $1.3 million donation has made the new institute possible, thanks to the generosity of David Braley, Ginesia Cortellucci, Joseph and Anna Cortellucci and family, and Luciano and Rosa Vigliatore and family.

“The Pristine Homes Institute for Hospice Palliative Care will conduct world-class research and academic training opportunities targeted toward innovative hospice palliative care interventions that contribute to thriving communities in Ontario, nationally and internationally,” said Belinda Marchese, Hospice Vaughan’s executive director.

Since 1995, Hospice Vaughan, a not-for-profit organization, has been providing compassionate support to individuals facing a life-limiting illness, their caregivers or those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Hospice Vaughan is now building a Centre of Excellence 10-bed residential hospice that will serve terminally-ill individuals and support their loved ones. Programs and services are offered free of charge.