The Rose Garden Hospice Association (RGHA) is committed to providing compassionate, holistic care to people with a terminal illness and grief and loss support for their loved ones. The not-for-profit association was incorporated in 2008. The mission and vision statements include, “A very special home for very special people.”
Don Daschuk began gathering support for a local hospice in 2008 after his late wife, Rose, passed away in hospital while battling with cancer. Marina (née Daschuk) Mitchell is Don and Rose’s daughter and is the past chair of the RGHA. They hoped to use what they learned from their experience and research about hospice to help others who need end of life, palliative care. In 2016, Fred Trach donated ten acres of land within City limits as a building site for the Rose Garden Hospice. The land is located on Marquis Road, between 4th and 6th Avenue West. For Trach and others, a having palliative care facility to serve northern Saskatchewan is very important. Trach’s wife, Anne, passed away in 2013 after an 11-year battle with cancer.
The building was designed by the architecture firm, AODBT, of Prince Albert. It includes a non-denominational chapel for contemplation, prayer, quiet gatherings and celebrations of life, a large common area, an indoor playroom and some counselling spaces. The plans are for a ten-bed facility within a 10,000 square-foot building. RGHA needs to raise $4 million to cover building and upfitting the facility, developing the parking lot and landscaping. The Board and fund-raising committee have raised approximately $2,400,000. RGHA continues to seek donations from companies and private donors. They also plan to host some public fundraising events like a radioathon or events of that nature.
Operational plans include expert care providers; health practitioners, therapists, a social worker, spiritual care providers and others who are committed to personalizing and humanizing the end of life experience. There will be round the clock care by professional nursing staff. The hospice will offer families personal support, companionship, bereavement and spiritual support integrated into a home-like setting.
RGHA will ensure the new hospice provides a high-quality care option for people nearing the end of life, and helps the Saskatchewan Health Authority achieve a full range of palliative care services for Prince Albert area.
The RGHA is comprised of volunteers who are committed to assisting with individual care plans, raising awareness, advocating for support, raising operational funds and capital. The board will also oversee the construction and operation of the hospice.
Board members examined the demographics of the service area, established strategic goals and objectives, determined funding requirements, created a budget and secured commitments from community leaders. They established an organizational structure and strategic leadership model. The organization has also defined operational policies and procedures for the hospice through research and engaged community collaboration.