Our History

Hospice Greater Saint John, Hospice Fredericton and the NB Medical Society met with Progressive Conservative Health Minister, The Honourable Ted Flemming to discuss the need for Residential Hospice Standards.  The Minister agreed to the establishment of Residential Hospice Standards based on evidence and best practices to ensure the effective delivery of in-patient palliative care outside of a hospital setting in New Brunswick.  As members of the New Brunswick Hospice Palliative Care Association’s Residential Hospice Committee, Hospice approved Residential Hospice Standards to be sent to the Department of Health for consideration.

Hospice expanded its services to include education and launched the first annual Free Public Lecture and Living Well Dying Well Conference.

To ensure the sustainability of Bobby’s Hospice, the Hospice Board of Directors led by Chair Shirley McAlary established the Hospice Legacy Foundation in June 2012.  The Foundation serves as an investment fund with the annual earnings being directed to support Bobby’s Hospice.   The annual Hospice BBQ Fundraiser is launched at Bobby’s Hospice.

The Hospice staff moved back into 385 Dufferin Row just prior to the February Valentine Gala as renovations were nearing completion and work began on setting up the facility for operations.   Hospice hired Dr. Chris O’Brien, as Medical Director and Nicole Hamming, RNBN, as Nurse Manager in July to establish our 24-hour medical and nursing services.  Ruth Hill, Volunteer Manager, recruited and trained a team of volunteers to support the work of the physicians and nurses and set up our food services program.  Diane Sullivan, Grief/Spiritual Care and Support Services Manager, served as the Décor Lead designing the colors for the home and purchasing supplies and furniture, as well as establishing our spiritual care services.   In August, Hospice and the Government of New Brunswick signed a Memorandum of Understanding for residential hospice operations at a ceremony held at Bobby’s Hospice.   In October, the Hospice Board of Directors hosted a Public Open House to thank the community and showcase the home.  The newly hired clinical care team and support staff underwent an intensive two-week training program in the delivery of palliative care and working in a residential hospice.   On November 1, 2010, history was made when Bobby’s Hospice opened its doors and accepted its first patients. 

The Hospice staff moved out of 385 Dufferin Row in October and took up residence in Brunswick Square in complimentary office space donated by Fortis Properties.   Board member Shirley McAlary chaired the multi-year renovations project from 2008 – 2010 and co-signed bank loans when funding ran short.  Local Architect Michael Richard did the official architectural design work and Bird Construction managed the extensive renovations.   CEO Sandy Johnson led the design and set up of the residential hospice, using the business plans and best practices of several Canadian residential hospices as models.

In May, Hospice moved out of the hospital and into a home at 282 Douglas Avenue.  From there our volunteer visiting and grief support programs continued, along with the addition of a Day Hospice program.   Hospice conducted extensive research and developed comprehensive plans to establish, operate and fund a 10-bed residential hospice in the community.  Meetings took place with politicians, government, hospital officials and the newspaper.   All agreed to work together to make Bobby’s Hospice a reality.

Hospice started a community volunteer palliative support program in the Sussex region. An official Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the Hospice Palliative Care Centre and this new service opened as a one-year pilot project in April.  Hospice provided three staff and the hospital provided the palliative physician and a nurse to see patients in clinic and at home.  The program continues today as the Hospice Palliative Care Outreach Service and is staffed and funded by Horizon Health. The first annual Hospice Memorial Walk is held.

Hospice moved from St. Joseph’s Hospital to the Saint John Regional Hospital.  That same year, Hospice Executive Director, Sandy Johnson was named to Health Canada’s National Strategy on Palliative and End of Life Care.

Hospice added grief support services to its programs of care.

Radiation Oncologist Dr. Nancy Grant and a team of community leaders established Hospice Saint John.  The Sisters of Charity provided complimentary office space at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  Volunteers were trained and began supporting patients in their homes, providing emotional, spiritual and practical support.