More on Implementation . . .

Care Co-ordinator

Help me through the night . . .

It is imperative that each specific locality, urban or rural, have access to a full-time co-ordinator who is skilled in EOL/Palliative/Hospice care. It is not necessary that this person have a nursing background, although it would be helpful, especially in a rural or remote setting.

This position will have access to or ability to:

1. Assessment tools required for determining the EOL care needed on an individual basis.
2. Plan and implement EOL services.
3. Evaluate the services and care outcomes.
4. Be available to those patients who are near the end of their life and their family.
5. Work within an interdisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to EOL care.

This position should be paid via salary versus hourly or contractual work aggreement to enable a more consistent, invested role.

It is important for those facing the end of their life, these vulnerable people, to have access to a consistent resource, providing a much needed means of communication. This relationship cannot be underestimated. It is our hope, that this person will provide the link between acute care for cure and comfort care for dying - a broad area on the continuum of care.

Taken in part from Integration of end of Life Care: A Health Canada Synthesis of Research Results.