Stevenson to act as Transfer Payment Agent for the Hospice

(Alliston, Ontario) – September 15, 2010 – Committed to providing the community with the highest level of care through a wide range of services, including both acute and palliative care, Stevenson Memorial Hospital is looking for community feedback regarding a proposed agreement that would result in the Hospital acting as Transfer Payment Agent for Matthew’s House Hospice.  The proposed agreement comes following a year-long partnership between the two agencies that involved sharing resources to improve the care and comfort of patients with life threatening illness both in hospital and in the community.

As a result of the proposed change, Matthew’s House Hospice would maintain its own Board of Directors.  Stevenson Memorial Hospital will oversee the finance and human resources responsibilities for Matthew’s House Hospice, as well as any required performance and safety reporting to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

“Throughout the past year, Matthew’s House Hospice and Stevenson Memorial Hospital have developed a very successful collaborative partnership,” said Frank Taylor, Board Chair, Matthew’s House Hospice.  Our decision to forge ahead with this integration will ensure that Matthew’s House Hospice can continue to offer caring and compassionate support to members of the community and their loved ones.

The integration will not disrupt the quality of service delivery for patients and family members at either facility. Governance and organizational structure at both locations will remain unchanged and no staffing changes or layoffs will occur as a result of the collaboration.  Most importantly, the Matthew’s House Hospice name will be maintained following the integration, honouring the organization’s long-standing presence within the community.

“Stevenson Memorial Hospital is committed to pursuing partnerships that assist us in developing a continuum of healthcare excellence to the community,” said Annette Jones, interim Chief Operating Officer, Stevenson Memorial Hospital. “Matthew’s House Hospice and Stevenson Memorial Hospital are committed to the highest quality of patient care for the people of our community so the decision to pursue further co-operation makes sense. This integration means positive benefits for patients at both facilities.”

Due to the small size of Matthew’s House, the hospice remains unnoticed within the larger healthcare system and is unable to receive government funding directly from the LHIN. By aligning itself with a larger facility that can act as Transfer Payment Agent , Matthew’s House Hospice will become a visible and accountable entity within the Central LHIN as the hospice’s performance data will no longer be mingled with those of another hospice. Previously, Matthew’s House had an agreement with an urban hospice in North York who oversaw reporting responsibilities for both facilities

In order to ensure a smooth transition for all parties, a joint task force has been created to collect, examine and consider feedback from employees, patients, family members, donors and community members.    A special town hall meeting is being held to allow the community to learn more about the proposed integration and ask questions. 

Town Hall Meeting
September 29, 2010
Matthew’s House Hospice
6028 Highway 89, Alliston
6:30 p.m.

Individuals are also invited to submit their comments, questions or concerns through the Matthew’s House Hospice website at www.matthewshousehospice.ca.