Emily’s House Anniversary, featured in SickKids GFCC Annual Report 2014-2015
July 2015 marked the second anniversary of the opening of Emily’s House, a project of the Philip Aziz Centre for Hospice Care. The staff team at Emily’s House works in close partnership with the Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) at SickKids and includes physicians, nurses, personal support workers, therapists, chaplains and volunteers. The first paediatric residential hospice in Toronto, Emily’s House provides an alternate to hospital or home care for patients facing life-threatening conditions, including cancer. Emily’s House focuses on respite for families of children with complex medical needs, symptom management, and palliative and end-of-life care for these young patients when no further treatment options are available.
This unique hospice allows the medical needs of complex paediatric illness to be addressed, but in a decidedly more comfortable environment than that of a hospital. In addition to excellent around-the-clock medical care, activities and play therapy enhance quality of life for patients and grief support is available for siblings and parents. “Emily’s House offers SickKids patients and families the opportunity to receive expert end-of-life care with 24/7 support on-site, but in an environment that feels like home. It’s been a privilege working together with their dedicated staff. ” Adam Rapoport, MD, Physician and Medical Director, Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) SickKids, and Emily’s House.
"We are so grateful for the positive relationship we have established with SickKids Hospital, Dr. Rapoport and the entire Paediatric Advanced Care Team. Their leadership and expertise in palliative care is critical to the success of our clinical programs. Their support is foundational in strengthening and guaranteeing consistency with the exceptional quality that families at SickKids have come to know.” Rauni Salminen, CEO Emily’s House and Philip Aziz Centre for Hospice Care
Source: SickKids GFCC Annual Report 2014-2015: http://www.sickkids.ca/gfcc/about-us/annual-report/index.html.
