The MLA for Courtenay-Comox is welcoming the return of full hospice capacity at Courtenay’s Oceanfront Village.
Brennan Day said the Aitken Community Hospice beds have begun a staged return and that all six beds will be back in service by Feb. 2, ahead of a previously announced March timeline.
He expressed gratitude to residents and local advocates who urged the return of hospice services.
“When someone is in their final days or final hours, dignity matters, comfort matters, being surrounded by family matters,” said Day. “Nobody should spend those moments in an emergency department hallway because the system failed to plan or fund properly.”
The beds were temporarily shut down in November after changes to Ministry of Health funding led to a reduction in hospice services.
Day said better long-term planning is needed from government to ensure health care services continue without interruption.
“That means stable, predictable funding models that allow organisations like Comox Valley Hospice Society to plan ahead, retain staff, and focus on care instead of constant uncertainty,” he said.
The Comox Valley Hospice Society took to social media to thank Day for his advocacy.
