Compassionate Care
Victoria Hospice provides specialized care for people living with life-limiting illness and grief. We focus on quality of life through holistic, comfort-oriented care, supporting people’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Families, chosen families, and friends are included as important members of our circle of care.
We offer end-of-life care on the Inpatient Unit, short-term crisis consultation and treatment at home, and bereavement services at our Community Support Centre and online. We engage in education, training, and research for evidence-based clinical practices and to advance palliative care across Canada and around the world.
If you have a life-limiting illness
Sometimes people are hesitant to seek hospice support, and fear it means they’re “giving up”. When you register for hospice services, more resources and support become available to you.
Registering with hospice is a way for you to make plans about possible future care needs, and you can register before you need any hospice services. When and if you do need our assistance, our palliative care team will be there to help you.
At Victoria Hospice, our goal is to enhance and improve the quality of your life. If you or your loved ones would like to speak with us before registering with Victoria Hospice, please call 250-370-8715.
Inpatient Unit
Our 18-bed Inpatient Unit is located on the third floor of the Richmond Pavilion on the Royal Jubilee Hospital campus. We offer an environment as comfortable possible on the unit, and welcome families and friends to make themselves at home here too. Visiting hours are unrestricted and a lounge, rooftop garden, and private solarium are available for everyone’s enjoyment. Pets are welcome too!
Our interdisciplinary care team includes:
- registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
- palliative care physicians
- health care assistants
- counsellors
- social workers
- spiritual care coordinator
- music therapist
- nursing unit assistants
- volunteers
Support at home
Our Palliative Response Team (PRT) provides crisis intervention and short-term 24/7 palliative care and psychosocial support for people who wish to remain at home. The aim of the PRT is to support goals of care, improve quality of life, and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
The PRT includes a nurse, counsellor, and on-call access to a palliative care physician. They work in collaboration with family physicians, nurse practitioners, and Island Health services, such as Community Health Services and the Palliative End-of-Life program. The PRT also offers support and resources to community support workers in the home.
Bereavement Services
We offer up to six free individual counselling for South Island residents. Nominal fees apply for groups and workshops, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. You do not need a prior connection with Victoria Hospice to access bereavement support.
Services include:
- Individual counselling: in-person by video or phone
- Support groups: walking, journal, expressive arts, suicide, toxic drug death
- Grief education: workshops to understand and normalize grief and learn healthy coping strategies
Our Community Support Centre at 102-4450 Chatterton Way in the Royal Oak area is the hub for comprehensive bereavement services for adults, youth, and children, and community education.