NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release

North Okanagan Hospice Society reopens

VERNON, BC (May 24, 2018): With recent stabilization of water levels in BX Creek, Hospice House will welcome its patients back from the hospital and accept new admissions from the community starting on May 24, 2018.

On May 9, 2018 the decision was made by the North Okanagan Hospice Society, in consultation with Interior Health and the City of Vernon, to temporarily relocate patients from Hospice House to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital due to the potential risk of flooding from BX Creek. This was a precautionary relocation measure in light of rising waters in the neighboring creek and the vulnerable nature of its patients.

“Our number one priority is safe, quality care,” shares Elsie Swartz, Care Team Leader of the North Okanagan Hospice Society. “We are grateful for the quick response from Interior Health’s

exceptional health-care professionals and the City of Vernon’s Emergency Preparedness team in our time of need. We wish to thank everyone involved for ensuring that a high level of safety, care and comfort was maintained for our patients and their families during the relocation. We also thank our staff, volunteers and the community for their ongoing support. We look forward to resuming our regular operations and welcoming everyone back to Hospice House.”

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North Okanagan Hospice Society is a registered charity that operates a 12-bed palliative care facility in Vernon for residents of the North Okanagan. The North Okanagan Hospice Society is a contracted partner with Interior Health and was incorporated in 1984 in Vernon as a charitable organization with the purpose of supporting those with a palliative diagnosis, their loved ones and the bereaved. Initially formed as a small volunteer organization with a visiting program, the Society is currently recognized as a leader in the development and delivery of comprehensive hospice palliative care services in British Columbia.

For more information contact:

Ruth Edwards, Executive Director
North Okanagan Hospice Society
Tel: 250-503-1800 (ext. 106)
Email: [email protected]
www.nohs.ca