St. Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge. (Supplied by Covenant Health)

By David Opinko

Province announces funding for palliative care in Alberta

Sep 9, 2020 | 10:29 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced the “first step” in a $20-million commitment to improving palliative care.

$5-million will be given to the Covenant Health Palliative Institute to increase access to palliative and end-of-life services as well as to promote advance care planning.

$1-million will be provided to the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association to establish in-person and online support groups, develop Alberta’s first telephone grief support line, and expand worships on palliative care.

As well, co-payments for end-of-life drugs are being eliminated.

The government estimates that every year, about 2,700 Albertans choose to die at home or in a hospice. In a hospital, these drugs would be covered in hospitals, but patients would have to pay out-of-pocket elsewhere.

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“Palliative care preserves the dignity of the individual by affirming their life and by providing spiritual, emotional, and family support,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “Albertans deserve to spend their final moments in comfort. Our partnership with Covenant Health and the AHPCA and our decision to end copayments, represent a first step at ensuring all Albertans are able to achieve that.”

For the remaining $14-million, Peace River MLA Dan Williams has been appointed to consult with Albertans on developing plans for how it should be spent.

“The ending of copayments is a very important initiative that will reduce the financial burden faced by patients and families,” says Williams. “This will also allow more people to consider staying at home, among their loved ones and other comforts, as they near the end of their lives. Covering the cost of drugs is one-way care is being strengthened for palliative patients.”

No timeline was given for when decisions would be made regarding the $14-million.