Medical & Nursing

Our team of physicians, lead by our Medical Director, provide treatment and attention for patients and their families across multiple care settings. Working in conjunction with the patient’s family physician, home care nurse and other specialty physicians, out team provides expert symptom management and palliative care. In 2010/11, this included 592 admissions to our 17-bed Palliative Care Unit, and close to 1,000 medical consultations in patient’s homes, residential facilities and other hospital units.

Our medical team also plays an active role in the education of medical students, residents, hospice staff and volunteers, home care nurses and other Vancouver Island Health Authority employees. They are also active in the undergraduate and postgraduate training programs of the Island Medical Program at the University of Victoria.

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The Nursing Department includes Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who – ably assisted by unit clerks, aides and volunteers – at any given time care for up to 17 patients and their families at Victoria Hospice in-patient unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.

RNs also provide care for patients and families in their homes as part of the Palliative Response Team, made up of one nurse and one counsellor with ready access to a physician. Started in 1989, this unique and remarkable 24-hour on-call service provides short-term consultation and treatment at home for problems that might otherwise require admission to hospital (such as pain, shortness of breath and nausea). In all circumstances, they will partner with VIHA’s Home and Community Care Nursing staff and Home Support programs to ensure that the daily average 375 patients who are in their own homes and are registered with VHS are comfortable and their families are supported.

In addition, Victoria Hospice nurses teach palliative care courses to other health care professionals, and participate in important palliative care research.

Contact the Medical & Nursing department by calling 250-370-8715 or by email.