Our Story

hospice society formed

An August 6th, 1988 newspaper clipping from the Halifax Chronicle Herald captures the breaking news reading:

"BADDECK - More than 25 residents, nurses and clergy formed a hospice society for Victoria County this week, ending several months' research by an organizing committee. Hospice Care is directed at terminally ill patients and their families and offers support to them. Members here approved by-laws, established a nominating committee, and appointed an interim chairman and recording secretary. "I feel the focus (of hospice) should be centered in the hospital" said Rev. Bill Holman, interim chairman. The board of directors of Victoria County Memorial Hospital recently gave their stamp of approval to hospice care in the area. "We'd like to see the concept of a team approach, using doctors, clergy, community health nurses, educators, volunteers - anyone could be part of the team" said Judy Fuller, R.N., and co-author of a study on hospice care in the county. The group hopes to increase their numbers and resources in preparation for their next meeting Aug.24 at Greenwood United Church."

Reverand William (Bill) Holman

It was collectively agreed that the palliative care delivered throughout Victoria County through the Hospice Society may not exist today if not for this man's vision and determination. Without his expertise and belief in the value of Hospice, the program might still be an idea rather than a reality. In 1985, a retired minister, who had been influential in the establishment of a hospice in an urban area, he began talking to his neighbours and friends in Victoria County about the philosophy of hospice care. At that time, many did not understand the concept and had doubts. This did not daunt him and the sceptics merely fueled his determination. His energy and vision continued to provide a driving force for the establishment of the Hospice Society, in fundraising, searching out available government support, organizing community support and participation, contacting other hospice programs for advice and officials in the Health Department - anyone who would listen - to bring this philosophy to life.

October 1988 thee FIRST DIRECTORS

Mrs. Judith Fuller of Big Harbour

Mrs. Betty Hanam of Big Baddeck

Rev. William (Bill) Holman of Baddeck

Rev. Ian Macleod of Baddeck

Rev. Robert (Bob) Reid of St. Ann's

The Societies founding friends

Baddeck & Area

Dr. Carlyle Chow

Mrs. Jessie Dougall

Mr. Roy Dougall

Mrs. Margaret Hanam, R.N.

Judge Lloyd Hudson

Rev. Louis Ihasz

Mr. Marshall Kaiser

Mrs. Nancy Langley

Rev. John MacDougall

Mrs. Olive MacKay

Miss Jessie MacLeod

Iona

Baddeck & Area

Rev. Everett J. MacDow

Mr. Rod MacNeil

middle river

Baddeck & Area

north shore & area

Mrs. Charlotte MacIver

north shore & area

Mrs. Heather MacInnis

Mrs. Carys Reid

south haven & area

north shore & area

south haven & area

Mrs. Diane Grant, R.N.

Mrs. Kathryn MacDonald

whycocomagh

north shore & area

south haven & area

Mrs. Dallas Hendsbee

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Despite the society only being a year old, despite the fact that many folks at the time still did not know what the word "hospice" meant and despite the society's struggle to establish a place of their own within the hospital their 1989 newsletter is sprinkled with huge wins! Accepting "referrals" of individuals to hospice care began in January of that year. In just 6 months from launch day 17 "referrals"; people were aided! Several of the people were not terminally ill but ones in which individuals wanted help coping with fear associated with the diagnosis of cancer and/or treatments to follow. This also enabled the society to support the families caring for loved ones with information, liaison between health care facilities and bereavement support. Another thank you need to Rev. Bill Holman for persuading Carolyn MacDonald, Joan MacLeod and Judith Fuller to find out what people in our community needed when faced with serious illness in the family.

The Education Committee together with Judy Fuller planned and successfully executed a 6 week education program covering a variety of subjects such as pain control, spiritual needs of the terminally ill, communication and active listening, funeral and legal considerations in which 48 people attended the space to learn donated by the Inverary Inn. Participants positivity about the program were so strongly felt that, under Judy Fuller's leadership, it was continued in North Shore by a group. Two more regional groups developed to convey the education program in Iona and Middle River as well. A group continued in Baddeck meeting weekly discussing topics such as stress management and teaching children about death. These programs birthed a lending library of recommended books, literature and videos.

The report was rightfully so, so full of so much acknowledgment and gratitude to Judy Fuller's educating abilities. A special thanks to Dianne Grant, Head Nurse at the Victoria Country Memorial Hospital, who "sensitively assesses individual need for hospice care and who has made a number of referrals".

A special thanks to Marilyn Cameron, Director of Nursing, who fostered the development of the hospice care service in coordination with the hospital.

Annual general meeting of that year at the Baddeck Fire Hall records guest speaker Dr. Peter Jackson from Sydney River. Emphasizing in his speech the utmost importance of personal history, trust & the ability to face the reality of a situation. The society applied for a Federal Government grant under the 'Senior's Independence Program' (S.I.P.) and was awarded for 3 years from the Department of National Health & Welfare. Liability Insurance was also purchased this year for volunteers.

1990

The Department of Health & Welfare selected THE HOSPICE SOCIETY OF VICTORIA COUNTY AS THE MODEL TO BE FOLLOWED BY OTHER RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT CANADA making it the first & at that time ONLY community in Canada to be given that recognition.

Two public presentations were held over the year. One was hosted by social worker Ray Musgrave titled, "Children & Death". The other by social worker Helen Tetlock who was representing the Alzheimer's Society of N.S. by playing the film "Finding Our Way".
A seminar at the University of Cape Breton by Dr. Earl Grollman titled "Living With Loss" was attended by 14 folks from Baddeck who then provided the incentive to the committee to plan a series of evenings meetings of the subject due to commence that fall.
Reported 47 individuals referred into the program that year and a total of 61 public community education sessions.
Requests from several other communities across Nova Scotia, (and a couple in Newfoundland) to guide them in establishing hospice programs like ours.
At the Annual general meeting Dale Orychuck, palliative care nurse in Sydney shared the origins, overview and present needs their hospice program. Dr. Pollett gave a slide show talk about her recent visit to hospices in England. Palliative care there also being called Supportive Care.

1991

On October 6th a memorial service was held for everyone who had passed through the hospice program since it's beginnings in 1989.
A continual acknowledgment reported that the Hospice Society could not have had such success with reaching those in need without the support of the community financially though fundraisers and all those who have been volunteering. Little Narrows, Orangedale, Whycocomagh, Middle River, Englishtown & The North Shore all made flea markets and bake sales and tea happen successfully! The Iona group sponsored a cribbage tournament and Baddeck held a Harvest Fest Dance on Thanksgiving weekend at the Fire Hall.
In the Education committees weekly evening series Carolyn Webber, a music therapist, conducted a well attended workshop on music therapy. David Muise, president of Cancer Mount, Sydney shared presentation titaled, "Cancer From a Patient's Perspective". Daniel Chaisson gave advice on writing wills. Ron Stewart, a Dalhousie professor who teaches emergency medicine shared his knowledge on pain control. Sister Mary MacDonald of Antigonish described the dimensions of grief. The Committee published a paper entitled "Guidelines: How To Prepare For Death At Home".

1992

With the conclusion of the three year project titled Seniors' Independence Program (S.I.P.) The Community Hospice Handbook & The Community Hospice Project For Rural Communittees books were published providing tangible evidence of a valuable program seriously undertaken and capably carried through. Judy Fuller was coordinator, research assistant was Candy Chritiano & financials were managed by Charlotte Goodwin.
Boularderie Community joined the Hospice Society assuring more patients getting the care needed.
Judith Fuller resigned as the nurse-coordinator to take a full time position with the Victoria County Memorial Hospital. Patricia Collins, a nurse from Big Bras d'Or, was hired on as nurse-coordinator.
Huge thank you for the continued support from Peter MacKinnon, hospital administrator, and other staff of the Baddeck Hospital.
Weekly education series continues with films, public speakers and open unstructured discussions and sharing of personal experience. With this the Lending Library expands.

1993

It is reported that the Society's published Hospice Handbook is being well received across Canada.
A luncheon was held in April for Judy Fuller where she was presented with a Victoria County framed scene and gifts from past and present directors.
Hospice Cookbook was finished and went on sale.
An education program for hospice directors, volunteers and the public was held during the spring months at the Bell Museum.
Calvin Hillier orchestrated an appreciation evening with supper for the hospice volunteers.

1994

The launch of The Bereavement Program was made possible by volunteers from past and present directors and a grant from the Volunteer Initiative Program, Department of Health.
A retirement party was had for Ms. Jessie MacLeod. Jessie was with Hospice from the first days, but she did stay on with the bereavement group.
Due to illness Patricia Collins resigned as nurse-coordinator. Fortunately Judith Fuller was available to fill the position again.
Dr. Ken Bryson, author and philosophy professor at the Cape Breton University, was the guest speaker at this year's annual general meeting presenting "The Philosophy of Death and Dying". Emphasizing the importance of simply just being there & listening, that there are no 'magical' words to say. Quoting Roman Catholic Priest Matthew Fox saying, "his own best teacher, his spiritual director, is his dog. The dog possesses all the qualities of a good listener, doesn't judge, lives in the now, doesn't intellectualize grief and is intuitive".
Hospice directors and friends did Christmas caroling at the Baddeck Hospital and Alderwood. Santa visited the directors at the appreciation night (pictorial evidence can be found just below).
Family of the late Donnie Morrison gift patients of the program with an electric lift recliner.
Inspired by Sydney Hospice group the selling Daisies fundraiser was inaugurated. Petunia bedding was sold at Home Hardware. A "Creative Living & Craft Show" at the fire hall was another great fundraising success.

1995

Jean MacQueen of AIDS Coalition of Cape Breton and two other women from the community who have cared for family members made a panel and discussion entitled "Caring for a person living with AIDS & How We Can Help" at this years annual general meeting.
The family of the late Rev. Holman introduced the "The Rev. W. Holman Scholarship". A ten year program. His wife, Mrs. Dorothy Holman, presented the first scholarship at the Baddeck High School Graduation Ceremony.
October 15th was the official opening of the new hospital. The society presented this with a framed picture of the Baddeck Lighthouse with a print of our logo along with a plaque honouring Rev. W. Holman.
The year presented 40 referrals to the Hospice Program and 8 referrals for the Bereavement Program.

1996

The Society's program became known as, "An excellent example of how to provide care and support with natural caregivers in rural communities". So much so that the Eastern Regional Health Board reached out asking for guidance in providing this care for their area and Calvin Hillier (hospice board chair at the time) took up the challenge. And what a challenge it was! A palliative care report was presented and then they dug into creating a plan to provide care services to everyone in the region regardless of where they live. In Judith Fuller's coordinator's report of the annual general meeting she stated that, "People who work in the Hospice care area are passionate about what they do and by nature are stubborn as well". Fortunately so! Judith Fuller, R.N, M.N., also became a member of a provincial committee working with the Department of Health in Halifax to develop a model of hospice/palliative care for the entire province.
After a longtime of being treasurer for the Society, Charlotte Goodwin retired. A luncheon was held in her honour. Also said goodbye and THANKS of many years to Diana Banks.
Calvin Hillier introduced the coin campaign fundraiser and Fran MacRitchie took on the task with glowing success.

1997

Thanks to the generous support of the community and orchestration of the Hospice Society's Fundraising Committee the amount of equipment and supplies available for people at home to borrow had greatly increased. An oxygen concentrator, bedding, soft mattresses, walkers and commode chairs. Ted & Florence Burton reconditioned and donated a wheelchair. It was Alice Beaton's wish that memorials sent to the Hospice Society in her memory would be used to purchase a pain pump. A very valuable and costly piece of medical equipment which improves the quality of life for our community's patients. The speed in which monies were raised was remarkable.
Every once in a while there would be a big demand of the use of hospital beds so patients could stay at home. Certain members of the society would be all over the country getting these former hospital beds that were cumbersomely heavy creating a need for 3-4 men in order to set them up. This motivated, at this time, the up and coming purchase of Home Care Beds with lighter weight, quicker set up time and much easier to store.
Dr. Cheryl Lycette spoke to a large audience at the Masonic Hall on how naturopathic medicine can compliment modern medicine and provide a coordinated approach to health care.
Carol Kennedy & Carolyn Gould did a workshop on Healing Herbs where much learning took place and herb teas were prepared and tasted with many stories shared.
A deep gratitude expressed to Dr. Anne Pollett, the Regional Palliative Care Medical Director, for her monthly visits to Baddeck with her vast knowledge and continual introduction of new ways to keep people comfortable.

1998

The Society provided support for 65 patients and their families.
Bi- annual newsletters and postings in The Victoria Standard newspaper have greatly helped in the public's awareness of our hospice services, education series, fundraisers and bereavement group meet ups.
A special thanks to Madeline Harvey who collected and kept track of all the coins, cheques and receipt books that are the conduction of the coin campaign that saw the coin cards go out in May then passed back in September to a successful tune of $11,434 raised for palliative care in the county.
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" - George Eliot

1999

The Hospice celebrates it's tenth birthday. And what better gift than, with the help of the Chair, Calvin Hillier, hospice societies were formed in Antigonish, Inverness and Neil's Harbour.
In the ten years since the program started 400 patients were seen to with another 56 families being refereed for bereavement support after a sudden death.
The Hospice purchased much needed items and presented them to the Baddeck Hospital so that our residents do not have to travel to other areas for testing. A breast form for the Well Women's Clinic, a prostate form for the Well-Men's Clinic, urine analyzer for the hospital lab, another pain pump, spenco mattresses, soft chair pads and a special bed/table for screening cervical cancer texts. This last item purchased enabled the first pap test screening clinic held at hospital on Dec. 15th, 1999. Hospice gave a donation to the Alderwood Bus Fund and presented it's patients with a bouquet of daffodils in the spring.
A series of lectures were provided for the public at the Masonic Hall over the year. Dr. Cheryl Lycette spoke on Women's Health Issues, Betsy Kelly on The Grief Process and Canadace Christiano & Sharon Unsworth on Communication Skills.

2000

Rose Anderson was hired as the new Hospice Nurse- Coordinator.
Hospice purchased a pain pump for their patients and a new analyzer which was donated to the hospital lab. A total of $19,000 in equipment supplies purchased this year for patients at home and in hospital.
In 1997 the Regional Health Board took on the financial responsibilities of the Hospice with regards to nurse-coordinator wages & benefits and all office space expenses. In 2000 the hospital's budget was cut by $100,000 and so they suggested Hospice take care of the nurse's wages once again. A letter was sent to Eastern Regional Health Board and to the hospital administrator telling them we will not go back to paying wages, no more was heard of this idea.
Education sessions were held at St. Michael's Parish Hall for the directors, volunteers and the public on navigating the cancer care system, Hospice Program, spirituality, funeral planning & will writing. One was a round table discussion on breast cancer attended by 10 well spoken breast cancer survivors who gave valuable information on their personal experience.
Health Canada contacted us to provide information to interested people in Australia about the "Hospice Project For Rural Communities".

2001

Engraved plates were placed on all equipment purchased by the Hospice so the public will know where the donors' dollars are being spent. "Supplied By The Hospice Society of Victoria County through the generosity of the communities that we serve".
Volunteer training sessions & Well Women's Clinics were held at the hospital. The Inverary Inn hosted a series of education sessions with subjects such as, "Healing Our Losses", "Home Care", "Support For The Caregivers" and "Pain Management".

2002

Telehealth was introduced, enabling our nurse to converse with palliative care Dr. Pollett in Sydney on a weekly basis
In the education series this year Ruth Morrison & Judy Fuller spoke about Home Care, Darlene Cameron presented workshop on Care For The Caregiver. Ann Trickett and Rose Anderson demonstrated how to provide physical care in the home, then Beth Duff, Shauna MacDonald & Rase spoke on the topic of death at home and caregiver supports. Vince MacDonald gave a full one day workshop on "Healing Our Losses".

2003

The concept of "A Healing Garden", a five year project was discussed over several meetings and will be directed by Brenda Bishop and Candy Christiano with Donald Nicholson being hired to do planning and work.
75 people attended a workshop on palliative and end of life care. Several of the Society's directors took part in a health fair at the Wagmatcook School.
Purchases of oxygen concentrator, a special gel filled mattress, a hammock sling and a geriatric chair.
Hospice volunteer training kits were prepared.
Dr. Larry Liebrach & Dr. Cindy Hobbes spoke at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Associations general meeting that was held at the Inverary in Baddeck.

2004

The Hospice Library updated with new books and tapes.
Mary MacLeod, R.N. was accepted as new nurse-coordinator.
There was a Hike-For-Hospice in the spring, a two mile trek at Baille Ard trail in Sydney.
Education series this year covered topics such as Acupuncture by Collette Morrison, Reflexology by Linda Murphy and Reiki by Judy Ross.
Assisted the Well Women's Clinic in sending notices in the mail informing the public on the importance of yearly pap screening.
The years major project was the Palliative Care Room in the Victoria County Memorial Hospital with TV, VCR, CD player, lamps, tables, drawers, etc.
This was last year for the Rev. William Holman Scholarship to be available to graduates.

2005

A Cancer Support Group is started. Due to meet once a month in the Baddeck Hospital board room facilitated by Rev. Susan Smith (Presbyterian minister) & Geneva MacDermaid (retired cancer ward nurse).
Society assists with funding for a "Front-line Education" Series covering three days, attended by Inverness, Baddeck and Cheticamp caregivers and volunteers covering a wide range of topics around providing care.
It was decided it was time to purchase insurance for equipment.
Telephones were installed at bedsides in hospital.
The last of the Hospice Society's documents in which Calvin Hillier, a man whose contributions are beyond measure, is a collection of quotes he made note of while pouring over from the society's various reports from inception to 2005. The last one he typed, requoting a hospice director, doctor, nurse or volunteer at some point in time was; "Remember these things, you are valued, you are precious, you are needed and you are loved".

2006 - 2007

Healing Garden project rolling into continually fruition.
Teamwork and communications between the Baddeck Hospital, Home Care & Hospice are all running well.
A request is submitted that the palliative care nurse's hours be extended from 37.5 every two weeks to 75 hours.

2008- 2009

President of NSHPCA, David Henderson attends Hospice meeting bearing advice to be mindful of our annual memorial service leaving anyone feeling excluded because of its religiosity and he also strongly encouraged the development of bereavement support groups.
Fundraiser of tickets sold for ten people to be provided dinner at the winners house was a success.
Judith Rivinus Fuller passed away. An incredible individual in whom The Hospice Society would not near, if even at all, exist. Her efforts with the care for patients, education to fellow colleagues and the public and her program developments are legendary. Triumphant through and through.

To learn more about Judy's Life Click here

2010 - 2011

The village hosted the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association's annual provincial conference and we were also represented and educated by attendance at the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association conference in NFLD and the Compassion Fatigue Training organized by the Cheticamp Hospice.
The annual yellow four page newsletter continues on. Within it holds the society's annual report, a list of equipment available to borrow free of charge, contact information to apply for Compassionate Care EI Benefit, personal letters of how bereavement group got a woman through the loss of her husband, a reminder for the annual memorial service coming up to remember and honour all those who we'd lost in our community program that year, a poem titled, The Oak Tree, by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr. conveying how together, we can learn how crisis makes us stronger.

2012

Most fortunate to have Dr. John Ritter visiting our patients at home, at the V.C.M.H. or in Alderwood.
The "Palliative Care Drug Program" is implemented by the provincial government. Now most medications required by palliative care patients at home will be covered alleviating the financial stress to person(s) facing a life threatening illness. This also meant that the Society's funds that had been assisting with medications costs for folks can now be spent in other ways to aid patients.
Dr. Chow reports it was an extremely busy year where there were more patients than ever before requiring palliative care.
Healing Garden continuing to be well maintained offering a peaceful setting for patients and their families.

2013

Patients at home are also supported by the Continuing Care nursing staff and Home Support Program,. Patients can also benefit from a visit of the Occupational Therapist and/or physiotherapist who can give advice about mobility (canes & walkers), appropriate exercise programs and certain supports such as special mattresses or cushions. Social Workers are also available for consultation about financials, housing and other matters.
Hospice volunteers not only put in many hours fund raising but then the careful thought of where that money is to be dedicated and then furthermore executing those plans. Such things like bed loans with cost of moving, setting up and cleaning between patients, home oxygen(ordered by physician)and their maintenance, purchasing of medications that are not covered by the Provincial Palliative Care Drug Program and smaller items such as commodes, bath benches.
Daisy Day Campaign was a success in raising awareness of our hospice and its services through much discussions and leaving jars with bookmarks full of info in various locations.
A calendar with photos of the area donated by a community member was made as a fundraiser.

2014

Meetings of society are trying out the SWOT model as a framework for discussion - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
New logo is adopted and paypal added to website for donations.
Exploring the use of complimentary therapies was discussed like art, music & dance therapy, massage and reiki with hopes of contracting local practitioners to do a demonstration and be available to patients with Society possible subsidizing fee.
Education Committee brain storms on series ideas such as alternative funeral arrangements and grieving process. One entitled Advance Care Planning was scheduled.
Weather proof benches with plaques were placed in Healing Garden.
oxygen concentrators were purchased. Following research and discussion it was motioned to donate three beds to the Red Cross who will provide full service free of charge. One bed was kept for emergency service.

2015

National Advanced Care Planning Day was marked on April 16th with activities and a media package was made available with plans to further distribute.
In Spring a dinner fundraiser was held.

2016

Six weekly bereavement support sessions are scheduled also training sessions for volunteers to provide companionship to families and friends under the society's care. A murder mystery event fundraiser is scheduled for the fall.
The society started providing gas cards to patients who need to travel to receive treatments.
A great program has started in Sydney Called the Chronic Pain Clinic that has been an aid to hospice patients.
The hospice society saw to the refurnishing with hospital grade pieces of the family sitting room.

2017

It is felt that, in part by advocacy done by the hospice society, Dr. Ritter is up to three days a week seeing patient in their homes in rural areas of the island. He suggests that individuals could write letter to local MLAs to educate them on the increasing demand of funds to increase the amount of time doctors and nurses will be available to tend palliative care patients. Dr. Ritter also expresses a great gratitude to the volunteers who have the kept up the Healing Garden quoting, "one healing garden is equivalent to three buckets of valium". He is continuing to monitor the developments of the NS Palliative Care Drug Program as there is concern certain drugs coverages may be revoked.
Fundraising concert and calendar both a success.
Seven nurses were sponsored to attend the provincial Hospice & Palliative Care Conference.
A special thanks was voiced to Alison Etter for all efforts in aiding the Society's work.
Barbara Stokes, Diana Banks, Heather O'Brien and Candace Christiano hit the garden hard on spring clean up day with advice from Lyn Duchesney.
After forty-six years of nursing, many of which were as nurse-coordinator for Hospice, Mary MacLeod retires. Luckily for the community, she stays an active member of the Hospice Society.
Compassionate Care Program is launched to both be fundraiser and recognize individuals in our community who have shown compassion towards others.
A warm welcome to Cathy MacMillan, Hospice's new coordinator.

2018

Efforts being made in recruitment, especially needing representation from First Nations communities.
MLA Keith Bain brought up Hospice's concerns with Health Minister Randy Delorey with no results. Mainly the need for more nursing coverage for the area.
Baddeck Co-op did a BBQ raising funds for Hospice as well as letting us set up a box in which donations can be placed.
Hospice ran two LEAP training programs in Inverness (17 participants) and Neil's Harbour (28 participants). One was scheduled with more than enough for Baddeck but had to cancel as nurse's could not get the time off.
Palliative Care participates in weekly Interdisciplinary Rounds keeping physicians and weekend staff up to date with hospice patients who may present at the ER over the weekend.
Planning to promote Speak Up campaign in regards to Advance Care Planning, similarly the Green Sleeve Campaign.

2019

Total number of face to face interactions with palliative care clients this year is just over 650 which is up 100 more interactions than last year.
Hospice ran LEAP training program with 21 participants in Baddeck.
Lobbying done by Hospice paid off with the wishes of more care finally being available. An extra day of physician care in rural areas, and a float nurse here and in Inverness. A special thank you to Keith Bain.
Successful launch of Telehealth Virtual Care giving clients in remote locations access to physicians in Sydney or Baddeck via video link.
Hospice calendars were again a successful fundraising endeavor.
Hospice saw to the purchase of a mechanical lift, three slings, transfer belts, pillows, various food/phone/gas and drug store cards for palliative patients, ambulance fees and a nurse training program.
Special thank you to the Free Wheelers for putting up Christmas tree in the Healing Garden and to John Hutchison for painting the benches.
This is the year our community was so incredibly fortunate to have Paulette Levin, R.N. join the team.

2020

Calendar & Angels Remembered Tree were both very successful fundraisers and very grateful to The Lions Club for their sizeable donation.
Between April 2019 to March 2020 there were 74 patients, 55 new referrals, 39 deaths (13 in hospital). At time of report there were 25 presently on caseload with lots of referrals coming in.

2021

Purchases of two pressure reduction mattresses, two sling wheelchairs and smaller things like walkers and commodes.
Sympathy cards to families has been rolling along well. Paulette had been making them by hand but Society will now purchase them preprinted.
Despite the extra challenges of maneuvering through the Covid-19 pandemic things were able to carry on for patient care with roughly the same amount of patients interactions as last year of around 600. The LEAP program ran again in Whycocomagh with 18 participants. Unfortunately though attendance to the Human Caring Conference in Norway & International Conference in Montreal were cancelled.
Big THANK YOU to those who crocheted & made tags for angels remember tree, to the healing garden caretakers, to Paul Carmichael & Hughie Monroe for moving and setting up beds and Cathy MacMillian, R.N. for her deep dedication to care in our community over the years.
A community member whose family member was able to stay at home through our palliative care was quoting the following in regards to our Hospice, "I think real estate agents could sell houses in this area purely on the basis of having this unbelievable, thorough, thoughtful and wise palliative care team. We as a community are so lucky to have them!".

2022

Community continues to aid the Hospice work greatly with donations in memory of someone and otherwise. It is confirmed that any donations made to the healing garden specifically will be earmarked to be spent on the garden alone.
Donation of an oxygen concentrator and other equipment from families has made a huge difference for palliative care clients at home.
Excitement and appreciation for Hospice's purchase of a small portable ultrasound for use in homes and hospital. By the end of the year it had already diagnosed Ascites (fluid in the abdomen), soft tissue metastatic disease progression and a liver tumour growth to list a few.
Volunteers hosting the Re-Use Center's sales of second hand items for three Saturdays was a great contribution to our funds.
Paulette Levin has sewn and donated three quilts to be used for patients and their families who are admitted to hospital and nearing end of life. These beautiful quilts help make their stay feel less institutional.
The Board's Secretary Alisha Hosein and Baddeck Hospital's Occupational Therapist got The Hospice Society on Facebook and this website making accessibility to our services, receiving donations and promoting our initiatives all that much easier. She also 'saved the day' many a time throughout the pandemic by rescheduling meetings, setting up zoom meetings and finding locations that met Covid protocols.
Paulette & Dr. Ritter are both doing regular mentoring to CBU students and medical residents of Inverness.
Dr. Ritter hosted a three day virtual Palliative Physicians Conference with R.N. Lyndsey & Cathy MacMillian with topics covered such as congestive heart failure, cannabis, early palliative care, global experiences, advanced Parkinson's, goals of Care and End-Of-Life conversations.
A palliative care patient and their spouse were suffering from great financial burden in which Hospice was able to alleviate that stress with gift cards gained through fundraising and donations to allow them to just focus on her last few weeks of life and their precious time together.
Paulette oriented and began teaching LEAP online. Her attendance at the Montreal Palliative Care Conference was a great asset in many ways of information brought back and shared with Dr. Ritter, networks of communication with others developed but most valued was the reassurance that we are still remaining current and following trends in providing the best through our palliative care approach.
"Quilts were sewn, shawls were knitted, angels were crocheted, a holder for our banner was stitched, finances were organized, relationships were strengthened." An encapsulating excerpt from Carolyn Brown's 2022 Chairperson Report.
HUGE thank you to Dr. Ritter and the wonderful team for their care not only to the palliative patients throughout our community but their families. Their compassion and professionalism have garnered strong support for Hospice initiatives.

2023

A deep appreciation to the palliative nurses who saw our passing community members through this year. Records are kept, monthly reports, of such things as (but not limited to) the number of patients at home, in hospital, amount of visits occurring at each location. One cannot help but notice the amount of phone calls nurses made to patients, of each time they reached out. Perhaps to follow up on a question the patient had or perhaps the nurse was just thinking of them and wondering if they could use any equipment up for borrow or maybe they just called to check in to see how the patient was feeling. This year nurses made 694 of those calls. Thank you, Wela’lin, Tapadh leat, Merci to Registered Nurses Paulette Levin, Kelly Caldwell & Lyndsey Drozdowski.
This year Dr. Ritter has gracefully steered the ship through his 18th year as our county’s palliative doctor.
Honorably cheering them, fundraising and helping where they can this year were Hospice Society members Cathy MacMillan, Mary MacLeod, Sylvia Pearo, Kathy MacIntosh, Sally Cameron, Janet Gillis, Elaine Field, Alisha Hosein, Paulette Levin, Wilma Lerch, Tish Nicholson, Jordyn Urquhart, Dr. Erica De Clemente and Claire Keigan.
Paving the way forward for future rural palliative care nurses is our Hospice Society's nurse-coordinator Paulette Levine. She is on track to become a R.N. Prescriber. Meaning she will be able to provide detailed assessment and diagnosis along with a plan of care right then and there in the patients home speeding up patient's needs being met and freeing up Dr. Ritter to see to other patients. The initiative is a pilot project funded by Nova Scotia Health through Dalhousie University.
A BIG THANK YOU from so many patients of the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, their family & friends who were into visit and from the hospital staff shouted out to The Free Wheelers for returning again this year with a beautifully lit up Christmas tree in The Healing Garden.
The Society again erected a very special tree in the entrance of the Victoria County Memorial Hospital this year called The Angels Remembered Tree where the name of a loved one who has passed is written and hung on the tree by a friend or family member. Thank you to everyone who participated.
This year’s chosen main fundraiser was selling $5 tickets for what was to be, a gift basket full of items handmade by members of the society and anything else donated. Well - what a talented generous bunch! So many handmade treasures came in that when the draw date came there were a total of 7 separate prizes; 5 gift baskets, a golf day package and an incredibly beautiful queen size quilt sewn by our palliative RN Paulette Levin. Society member Dr. Erica De Clemente's mother did a fantastic job of donating her time and skills to transform the treasures into unique themed gift baskets all wrapped with a bow. Tickets were sold via facebook, volunteers donating many hours at a table set up in the Baddeck Co-op and lastly at a Christmas Market at the Baddeck Legion in which they waived the table fee in support of the cause. Congrats to all the winners and a big thank for the community support that brought in a total of $6350!
Ticket selling providing a great opportunity to hand out the society’s newly printed book marks which ensure public awareness of the society’s purpose and support and equipment available.
The community is very grateful for an additional $1000 was donated by The Herring Choker Deli. You may not have known it at the time but your purchases of second hands clothing and books in their back seating area contributed to that. And we are grateful for your recyclables! When you drop your refundable cans and bottles off at the county’s waste management facility and tell them to give the proceeds to Hospice Society, you may wonder - is my one little blue bag really going to make that much of a difference? Well it does! Each one of those little bags over the year of 2023 added up to $2000 – so cheers to you!
On the note of successful fundraisers, the society was able to purchase the following items for our fellow Victoria County residents to borrow to be more comfortable and have stress reduced during their time in palliative care. New bedside commodes, new gel pads, new raised toilet seats and a transport chair. This all along with Hospice’s regular operating costs of Urgent Patient Support, Equipment Moves, Equipment Repairs, Gas Cards for patient’s appointments, Drugstore Gift Cards, Healing Garden maintenance, Insurance, Medications & Supplies, Office & Postage, Education & Development for staff and last but not least the Cuddle Bed – it is on its way! Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. A wider, special made, hospital bed that gives our terminally ill friends and their loved ones the support they deserve through the chance to be close, to maintain that physical contact, being touched and held during their final times together in hospital.
The palliative care team has been supplied with $700 in gas cards by The Baddeck Hospital Auxiliary to distribute to patients needing that financial support to drive to the distances to many treatments and other appointments during their time in palliative care.
A reminder for yourself or to let a friend know, Rev. Brian MacLeod continues to host grief support sessions at the Knox Church back room from 5:30 to 6:30 usually on third Thursday of each month. Time can be verified via the Facebook group, “Baddeck & Area Grief Support Group” or by messaging him directly through Facebook messenger.
A list to rotate through has been assembled of volunteers with trucks to call when palliative care patients at home require hospital beds.

The following two images are Hospice Society members Cathy MacMillan, Alisha Hosein, Paulette Levin & Mary MacLeod with the Angels Remembered Tree at VCMH.

The second image is the incredible quilt that Paulette Levin had sewn and donated to be one of our MANY prizes in this years ticket fundraiser.

2024

for patient and family

The society was able to provide patients and their loved ones at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck with a Cuddle Bed.

Retired palliative nurse Cathy MacMillan had envisioned this since she first heard of them twenty years. This year that dream became a reality!

"For us to be able to actually just lay in each other's arms, it meant more than anything in this world.", reported Taff Cheesman, a mainland NS resident whose husband passed from cancer. She had spent nearly two weeks in a chair, holding her husbands hand, until staff at the hospital found a bariatric bed for the couple to use. It's larger than a standard hospital bed but not designed for two people. She shared that solution was, "not comfortable and it was not easy for me to get in and out of," Despite that she was quoted saying, "I would not trade those moments for anything in the world". Those moments are what motivated her to successfully fundraise for her South Shore Regional Hospital to acquire an actual Cuddle Bed of their own.

If you live in Victoria County, consider yourself lucky to have this level of thoughtful support for you and your loved ones needs!

(And yes, the beautiful photo above is Taff & Rick Cheesman, married 25 years, cuddling in hospital during the last days of his life.)

homemade care

for patient and family

Nurse Paulette Levin made a quilt using Cape Breton Tartan printed fabric that is stitched into the image of a Celtic Knot. This quilt will be used when a loved one has passed away in the Baddeck hospital. The quilt will be lovingly draped over the remains as the patient is escorted out of the hospital. This is part of our hospital Leaving Ceremony.

Palliative Care Room #4 underwent a much needed make over! The room was repainted, paneling along walls and new trim installed microwave and it’s stand, wall mounted TV, flannel pillows cases, new curtains that are more user friendly, washable, fire safe, block out light and help with room temperature control. New blinds were also installed in family room. A callout was made to the community to submit any photos taken locally to decorative the palliative care room with. Custom framing of the chosen pictures and the donated Loretta Gould original paintings were required so they are able to be sanitized. A Comfort Cart was purchased and stocked with a star gazing machine, bluetooth speaker, notebooks, pens, colouring books, word search, pencil crayons, pencil sharpeners and erasers.

our team

for patient and family

equipment & training

Gratitude and recognition for the palliative care team who took care of our community members at home and in hospital this year were Dr. Ritter and nurses Paulette Levin, Rachel Sinclair, Sharon Parsons, Kelly Caldwell, Lyndsey Drozdowski and Jennie Reid.

Our palliative care nurse Paulette Levin was selected to present her paper on Imposter Syndrome at the International Human Caring Conference in Boca Raton, Florida.

The society saw to RN Paulette Levin attending the International Palliative Care Conference in Montreal, PQ.

The major themes covered were Existential Suffering for patients and families, Pancreatic Cancer, Cachexia and Malignant Bowel Obstructions.

equipment & training

The portable Ultrasound tool that the society purchased last year for Dr. Ritter has proven time and time again to be very helpful. He and Nurse Levin have reported using it to diagnose Ascites (fluid collection in the abdomen), DVT detection in lower legs and bladder scanning for urinary retention to name a few.

The society saw to Dr. Ritter taking a Portable Ultrasound course in Halifax and he reported finding it to be very intense and enhancing of his understanding of the butterfly IQ uses.

big hearts

equipment & training

big hearts

The Annual Ladies' Memorial Golf Tournament put on by the Baddeck Forks Golf Course raised $1310 for our society.·

The biannual gathering of Clan MacAulay (that has always happened the UK) was held in Baddeck this year. The Clan chose The Hospice Society of Victoria County as a recipient of a charitable donation to assist with continued work on upgrading the Palliative Care Room #4 in the Baddeck Hospital.

big help

equipment & training

big hearts

The annual Angels Remembered Tree was set up just outside patient waiting area in the Victoria Memorial Hospital. Tish Nicholson made fabric tags in which folks could write the name of a loved one who has passed then hang it on the tree with provided glass angels while making a donation if they chose to. Donations collected totaled $2330.

a concept + commitment + caring hearts

hospice society formed

Reverand William (Bill) Holman

*October 1988* thee FIRST DIRECTORS

The Societies founding friends

Baddeck & Area

Baddeck & Area

Baddeck & Area

Iona

Baddeck & Area

Baddeck & Area

middle river

Baddeck & Area

north shore & area

north shore & area

north shore & area

north shore & area

south haven & area

north shore & area

south haven & area

whycocomagh

north shore & area

south haven & area

first logo & letterhead

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

team moments captuered

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

Caroling at hospital & Alderwood

spreading the love

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

Hospice Helpers

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006 - 2007

2008- 2009

passing through

2010 - 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

for patient and family

for patient and family

for patient and family

homemade care

for patient and family

for patient and family

our team

for patient and family

equipment & training

equipment & training

equipment & training

equipment & training

big hearts

equipment & training

big hearts

big help

equipment & training

big hearts

October 1988 thee FIRST DIRECTORS