Six join Hospice Prince Edward board

Six new board members were appointed to Hospice Prince Edward Monday at the board of directors meeting.

Birgit Langwisch

Birgit Langwisch, president and chair of the board of directors said the addition makes a quorum. A public request for further applicants to the board will bring the foundation to a full complement of 11 members.

“I am heartened and very grateful for the number of people who have stepped forward to help us rebuild the board,” said Langwisch. “Some names came to Hospice from the sign-up sheet at the public meeting on June 29th, some names were suggested by our volunteers, our staff and members of the public, while others were in touch with me directly to put their names forward. The speed and enthusiasm with which our community responded is deeply gratifying.”

Prince Edward Hospice is working with the Prince Edward Family Health team to shore up day-to-day business following the  resignations of board members and the interim executive director in June.

The resignations followed a community meeting hosted by the hospice volunteers. The volunteers, noting concern over the resignation in May of executive director Nancy Parks, said her departure left unanswered questions concerning the direction of Hospice, its leadership and relationship with outside agencies. About 250 people attended.

Directors appointed Monday include: Peter Matthewman, Wendy Davis, Doug Snider, Sylvia Kovacs, Kevin Gale and Dr. Billi Prinzen. Also nominated, but unable to attend the meeting was Sheila Thomas.

“The board’s main task right now is to govern the organization and provide support to Interim Executive Director, Stephanie MacLaren and to the committed staff members and volunteers who so ably provide the efficient and effective delivery of Hospice services in our community and beyond,” said Langwisch. “I’m very pleased to report that the Residential Hospice has been receiving regular referrals – even reaching capacity – over the past several weeks. There is still one patient in residence and we are expecting other admissions on a regular basis. Similarly, the Home Visiting and Bereavement support programs are doing
well.”

Langwisch stressed Hospice Prince Edward is grateful for the continued support of the community and is working closely with its community partners – the Prince Edward Family Health Team, the South East Community Care Access Centre, the South East Local Health Integration Network, Community Care for Seniors and other agencies to strengthen its community support programs and to move forward into the future.