We’re keeping everyone safe in the midst of COVID-19, please click here for more information on what we’re doing.

COVID-19 Update

December 2020

We continue to closely monitor the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and are taking all necessary precautions to ensure that our clients, their families and the community as a whole are safe.

We are following Ministry of Health and Public Health guidelines and will make any additional adjustments as required. We are focused on infection prevention and control and the safety of patients, clients, staff and our community. All safety precautions remain in place including universal masking for clients, staff and volunteers, screening, hand hygiene, use of full PPE, physical distancing, etc.

We continue to offer most of our programs and services virtually and encourage you to visit our website for more information.

Please click here to view our in-depth COVID-19 safety plan.

If you have any questions, please call us directly at 705.325.0505

Take care and stay safe,

Whitney Vowels

Executive Director

We Are Here to Help
Hospice Palliative Care Support:

Advanced symptom assessment for clients with complex palliative care needs
Educational opportunities: courses, workshops and conferences
In-service presentations on topics such as advanced care planning and bereavement

Palliative Nursing Support Line:

(705) 329-0340 / (844) 429-0340

Bereavement Support Line:

(705) 325-7871

Difficult Conversations

with: Nancy Good-Kennedy | CHPC Nurse Consultant

Different studies show health care providers could feel ill equipped in delivering bad news.

Plan to spend as much time listening as you do talking.

The conversation itself deserves ample forethought. Spend a few minutes imagining how it might unfold Make time. Make space Find out what the patient knows. Start the conversation by finding out what the patient and family understand about the diagnosis. You could ask,

“What is your understanding of your condition?” or “What have you been told about your disease by the other doctors you’ve seen?” When a terminal diagnosis is given, most patients understand what this means and are grateful for their healthcare provider’s honesty. As healthcare providers, we often worry about taking away the patient’s hope, but we should not be partners in spreading false hope. Redirecting the patient’s focus from “cure” to a more reasonable goal such as living long enough to complete certain tasks (e.g., heal relationships or witness events) can be helpful. Even a pain-free death could be a goal. Reframing hope makes it possible to have both quality of life and quantity of life. Knowing when to stop aggressive therapies and embrace symptom management, end-of-life support and education is noble. “That last hospital stay seemed hard on you. I think there’s a way we can avoid future hospitalizations.” “We can manage your care right here, at home.” “You don’t have to be in pain anymore; we can help.

EDUCATION

SUPPORT for
Patients and Families

ADVANCED CARE PLANNING

SUPPORT for
Healthcare Professionals

COVID TOOLKIT

RECENT NEWS

NSMHPCN recognized as a Canadian Compassionate Company!

We are honored to become a Canadian Compassionate Company. Our dedicated team, their families and communities are of the utmost importance to us. Read more…

NSMHPCN is Excited to be a Hub Partner for the Palliative Care ECHO Project!

The Palliative Care ECHO Project is a 5-year national initiative to cultivate communities of practice and establish continuous professional development among health care providers across Canada who care for patients with life-limiting illness. We’re dedicated to supporting a continuous learning journey for health care professionals to build local capacity to provide a palliative care approach to patients and their families.

NSMHPCN is Proud to be a Member of the NSM CSSN

The community support services (CSS) agencies that make up the Network share guiding principles to work with other health care and community partners and planners to coordinate and integrate our local health care system to ensure access to the right service at the right time in the right place to support the needs of individuals with ongoing community support needs and their families in North Simcoe Muskoka.

Central Ontario Health Team for Specialized Populations Launches New Website

The Central OHT for Specialized Populations is a network of agencies, clients, families and care partners with expert knowledge, unique skills and experience in caring for people with highly complex needs. They are working together to provide a better health care experience by bringing expertise in specialized services through an individual’s lifespan.

Strategic Plan 2020-2023

NSMHPCN is excited to roll out our Strategic Plan for 2020-2023. Please take a moment to review the plan and contact Whitney Vowels with any questions you may have. Whitney can be reached by email at whitney@nsmhpcn.ca. Read more…

NSMHPCN Launches New Website!

After many months of hard work and dedication from our team at North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network, we are pleased to announce the launch of our revamped website! Read more…

Brenda Smith Leadership Award

Do you know an exemplary hospice palliative care provider in North Simcoe Muskoka? Is there someone you work or volunteer with who displays passion, commitment, leadership and determination? If so, nominated them for the Brenda Smith Leadership Award!! Read more…

Educational Offerings

The North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network is committed to the development of quality hospice palliative care wherever the client chooses to live and die. To support health care providers, we offer a variety of conferences, courses, workshops and presentations in communities across North Simcoe Muskoka. Read more…

NSMHPCN recognizes that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. We acknowledge the enduring presence of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people on this land and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect. Miigwech / Thank you

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North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. All individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and have equal opportunities. Our programs, services and opportunities will be accessible regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex, or sexual orientation.