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CANADIAN HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON COVID-19 Mar 17,2020

Dear CHPCA associates and affiliates, colleagues, volunteers, and partners,

As the WHO-declared pandemic, COVID-19 progresses, this is a very concerning time for many people with serious conditions and palliative care needs, as well as their families, friends and communities.

The situation is ever-changing and we encourage everyone to pay attention to the public health experts that are directing our response here in Canada

Now more than ever, the palliative care compassionate approach is needed to ensure that the most vulnerable and isolated are cared for and their concerns, fears, and hopes are heard. It is a time for solidarity.

Our members, partners and colleagues display great compassion in their care for some of the most vulnerable in society.

Whether you are a person living with palliative care needs, a carer, clinician or advocate, we are all care ambassadors who can promote and engage in compassionate responses in our communities, and support health systems to ensure the dignity for people with serious illnesses as we face this together.

We are concerned about the health, both physical and mental, and the welfare of people with palliative care needs and those who are caring for them in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

We are also confident in the leadership that hospice palliative care organizations and workers are exhibiting in providing compassionate care to the most vulnerable, making sure their voices are heard.

It is highly probable that our members may face serious challenges in delivering care as the course of this pandemic unfolds. But our hospice palliative care workforce is trained, experienced, resilient and ready to support the comprehensive needs of people, families and communities when serious illness strikes. They have been doing so for years; it is vital we share experiences across our network and beyond. Please stay in touch.

CHPCA continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. As a community of people living with hospice palliative care needs, care providers, carers, and hospice palliative care advocates – we are all in this together.

Stay well.

Sharon Baxter, Executive Director, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association


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