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By rdnewsNOW staff

Some money now, some later

Alberta moves to improve palliative care

Sep 9, 2020 | 12:48 PM

Alberta has announced $6 million for two palliative care groups to enhance care and the appointment of an MLA to consult with stakeholders to allocate another $14 million to palliative care over the next three years.

Covenant Health Palliative Institute will be provided $5 million to increase access to palliative and end-of-life services and promote advance care planning so Albertans can ensure their wishes are honoured.

A further $1 million will be given to the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association to establish in-person and online support groups, develop Alberta’s first telephone grief support line and expand workshops on palliative care for Albertans.

The funding was part of the UCP platform during the 2019 election.

“I’m so pleased to be part of this important work. As we continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is an important time to discuss end-of-life matters with our families and friends so that we can face the future with strength and dignity,” says Peace River MLA Williams.

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In a release, the government also says copayments for end-of-life drugs will also be eliminated. Every year, about 2,700 Albertans who choose to die at home or in a hospice, pay out-of-pocket for end-of-life drugs that would have been covered in hospital, says the government.

“The ending of copayments is a very important initiative that will reduce the financial burden faced by patients and families,” says Dr. James Silvius, senior medical director, Provincial Seniors Health (including palliative and end-of-life care), Alberta Health Services. “This will also allow more people to consider staying at home, among their loved ones and other comforts, as they near the end of their lives. Covering the cost of drugs is one-way care is being strengthened for palliative patients.”

(CHAT News Today)