$2.38 million in funding will
support improved access and facilitate system change for
underserved populations
THUNDER
BAY, ON, May 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Palliative care
improves the quality of life and comfort of seriously ill patients
and their families. Some people experience more challenges than
others when accessing palliative care, including people aged 85 and
over, those with dementia, mental illness, intellectual or
developmental disabilities, those from linguistic minority groups,
those living in rural and remote areas, and those experiencing
homelessness.
Today, Marcus Powlowski, Member
of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, on behalf of the
Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced $2.38 million in funding over four years to
Lakehead University for their project:
Improving Access and Facilitating Systems Change for Palliative
Care Among Underserved Populations.
The project will provide a better understanding of the services
received by under-served populations, in order to identify gaps and
to overcome the unique barriers faced by vulnerable
people.
In addition, the project intends to improve the experience of
those receiving palliative care by developing meaningful resources
for individuals, caregivers, and providers that are tailored to
multiple underserved populations. The project will have guidance
from advisory committees composed of persons with lived and living
experience and organizations that represent them.
The Government of Canada's
Action Plan on Palliative Care continues to lay a better foundation
for coordinated action on palliative and supportive care needs.
This project is aligned with the Action Plan priorities which
include improving access to palliative care for underserved
populations; supporting health system quality by developing
palliative care skills and supports for health care providers,
families, caregivers, and communities; and enhancing data
collection and research.
The Government of Canada
continues to work with provinces and territories, organizations,
people living with serious illness, caregivers, and communities to
improve the quality and availability of palliative care for
everyone in Canada, including
those who are most vulnerable.
Quotes
"Palliative care is a critical part of Canada's health care system. As Canada's population ages, it is imperative
that we have a health care system that offers timely access to
assure that everyone can receive high-quality palliative care. By
supporting projects like this, we continue to strengthen
Canada's health systems and
improve the quality of life for all people in Canada."
The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
"With a large aging population in Canada, the need for more palliative care
resources becomes crucial to help ensure everyone in Canada receives the care they need. By
supporting projects across the country, including this one at
Lakehead University, we are increasing
access to care and creating a better health system for all."
Marcus Powlowski
Member of Parliament for Thunder
Bay-Rainy River
"Lakehead University is beyond
grateful for the Government of Canada's significant investment in the
research we're leading that will result in better access to quality
palliative care for underserved populations, including people
living in rural and remote communities. During the most difficult
time of life when someone needs access to palliative care, that
experience should be barrier-free and easy to navigate for patients
and families. Lakehead is proud to contribute to this important
work that will make a positive difference in so many people's
lives."
Dr. Gillian Siddall
President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead
University
Quick Facts
- The project leads are: Lynn
Martin, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Health
Sciences, Lakehead University; Dr.
John Hirdes, University of Waterloo; and Dr. Dawn Guthrie, Wilfrid
Laurier University. The project co-investigators are: Dr.
Ravi Gokani; Dr. Anna Kone; Dr. Katherine
Kortes-Miller; and Dr. Elaine
Wiersma.
- Budget 2023 confirmed the Government's commitment to an
increase in health care funding of close to $200 billion over 10 years, including
$46.2 billion in new funding for
provinces and territories to further support the health workforce,
including personal support workers, and help Canadians age with
dignity close to home, with access to home care or care in a safe
long-term-care facility.
- Budget 2021 provided a $29.8
million over six years to advance the Government's Action
Plan on Palliative Care and help build a better foundation for
coordinated action on long-term and supportive care needs,
including efforts to improve access to palliative care.
- Between 2019 and 2021, the federal government provided
$24 million in funding for palliative
care initiatives under the Action Plan.
- In 2019, Health Canada released a multi-year Action Plan on
Palliative Care to tackle issues identified during the Framework's
development that fall under federal roles and
responsibilities.
- In 2018, the federal government developed, through broad
consultation, the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. It offers a guideline for all
palliative care stakeholders to work toward the shared vision of
"all Canadians with serious illness living well until the end of
life."
- Budget 2017 committed funding of $11
billion over 10 years to provinces and territories for home
and community care, including palliative care. The majority of
provinces and territories included palliative care as part of their
action plans.
-
Associated Links
- Palliative care competency framework
- Palliative Care: Overview
- Action Plan on Palliative Care
SOURCE Health Canada (HC)