Registration

When and How to Register

Victoria Hospice and the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) work together to provide palliative care to people in the comfort of their own homes and, in fact, registration with Victoria Hospice is done through VIHA Home and Community Care Nursing. It begins with a referral to VIHA’s Central Intake, requesting that a Home and Community Care Nurse visit and register the person with Victoria Hospice.

This referral is usually made by, but not limited to, the person’s family physician, oncologist or other health care provider; however, anyone can request a VIHA Home and Community Care Nurse visit by calling VIHA General Enquiries at 250-388-2273.

A person can usually register with Victoria Hospice if:

• They are living with a progressive, life-threatening illness
• They live in an area of Greater Victoria served by Victoria Hospice
• They have a family physician and the physician agrees with registration
• Their goal of care is palliative and comfort-oriented , rather than curative treatments
• They reside in their own home or in an Assisted Living facility

A person is not eligible to register with Victoria Hospice if:

• They are currently in an acute care hospital (registration can be initiated upon discharge from hospital)
• They reside in a care facility with on-site nursing staff

Registration is appropriate for any diagnosis, with any prognosis, regardless of age.  It is common to register in advance of actually needing any Victoria Hospice services so that when they are required patients can access them without delay.  If you are uncertain about eligibility for registration with Victoria Hospice, speak to your Home and Community Care Nurse.