St. John Hospice patient, family & visitor guide
An overview for patients, families and visitors of St. John Hospice.
Living here
At St. John Hospice, dying, death and grieving are recognized as a part of life. We are committed to compassionate end-of-life care that maintains dignity and supports both you and your family.
Your care team
We have a team of experienced care providers. This includes nurses, doctors, a social worker and a spiritual health provider as well as a group of volunteers to provide extra support.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344 ext.62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca
About your room
Providing a home-like setting for our residents is important to us. All of our 14 rooms at St. John Hospice are private. Each room has the following amenities:
- Adjustable hospital bed
- Washroom and shower
- Telephone
- Cable television
- Pullout sofa
- Recliner chair
- Mini fridge for family food
- Wireless internet access (WIFI)
Meals & snacks
You can enjoy your daily prepared meals in your room or in the dining room. Please let us know if you have any specific dietary needs.
Your family and friends may also bring in special foods for you. In fact, this is encouraged. This food may be kept in your room’s mini fridge.
Medications
To ensure your safety, we review all the medications you are taking. This includes vitamins and over-the-counter medications. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask your nurse. The BC Palliative Benefits Program covers the cost of most medications. Occasionally, you may require and request a medication that is not covered by this plan. In these instances, we will discuss the costs and methods of payment with you.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on hospice property.
Communicating with staff & health care professionals
In order for us to care for you, it’s important that we understand each other. If we use words or phrases that you do not understand, or if we give you forms or other written materials that are not clear, please ask us to explain.
If you do not speak or understand English well enough to have conversations about your health, we can book an interpreter at no cost. For daily communication we use various tools such as pictures and translated cards.
Your personal belongings
You are welcome to bring some personal items to make your room feel more comfortable. We do not have extra storage space for belongings, so it's a good idea to only bring what you need. Your family or your designate can help you to manage your belongings.
Please do not bring in large amounts of cash or valuables. If you have valuables that you want to keep with you, we suggest you obtain insurance. We are not responsible for lost or stolen money or valuables. Our insurance only covers items that we have damaged or lost.
Keeping you safe
The safety of patients, staff and visitors is our priority.
Preventing the spread of germs
Help us to stop the spread of germs. The best way to do this is to clean your hands. It takes less than a minute. To protect yourself and others, please wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.
Fire safety
Please do not bring portable radiators, kettles or humidifiers. There are a number of risks related to these items such as burns, fire and mould. To maintain fire safety, we will check any electrical items that you bring to the hospice such as radios, computers, clocks and shavers. This is to ensure they are CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved.
Leaving the hospice on outings
While you are here, you may want to leave the hospice on outings. If you are planning to go out, please let us know in advance. This allows us time to arrange your medications to be given while you’re away.
Visiting hours
Family and friends are welcome to visit. A family member or friend may occasionally stay overnight. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pets to live at hospice. Reasonable visits from well-behaved pets are possible.