History

Clearwater & District Hospice is a nonprofit Society, incorporated on June 14, 2007. Previous to incorporation, several members of the community, as well as medical staff, realized the need for support for patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and organized a Hospice Society to serve in the North Thompson Valley. All Clearwater Hospice members receive monthly training to serve in that capacity, provided by the Kamloops Hospice Association as well as other educational organizations. Each member must receive a Criminal Record Investigation certificate, and be fully vaccinated before acceptance into membership.

In the spring of 2021 the decommissioned maternity suite in Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, remodeled and refurbished, was opened as a designated Hospice room. This major project was achieved by working with Interior Health, receiving generous donations from Wells Gray Community Forests, Royal Canadian Legion, and others, as well as the Hospice annual campaign ‘Lights To Remember’ held in November. Clearwater & District Hospice Society has created an environment for families and loved ones to be together during their final journey. The modern, Stryker Isotour 2020-4 bed, and 2 mattresses, provides comfort and warmth for the patient; while the sofa bed and linens, and comfortable recliner, are there for the family members attending their loved one. A small kitchenette, with fridge, toaster/convection oven, microwave, and coffee maker, is directly accessible from the Hospice room, as is the large private bathroom and shower. A large-screen TV with all available cable channels can be viewed from the bed and recliner.