Advance Care Planning Group Shot

(Photo supplied by Health Sciences North)

By Stew Kernan

Health Sciences North has launched an advance care planning pilot project on one of its inpatient units at the Ramsey Lake Health Centre.

Under the initial phase of the project, patients 85 years of age and older admitted to the unit will have a conversation with their care team about how they want to spend the remaining days of their lives.

Charles Ketter, a member of the CEO Patient and Family Advisory Council says all patients should consider putting in place an advance care plan so their wishes can be respected.

The plan outlines the available medical information and patient’s understanding of their condition, options for care, their personal values, and wishes for care and quality of life.

H-S-N Medical Lead for Seniors Care, Dr. Janet McElhaney says the purpose of the pilot project is to encourage patients and their health care providers to have that tough discussion.