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Above, Sisters Sharon Fagan stands in front of steering committee members, from left, Ken Dicks, pharmacist; Dr. John Campbell and Dr. Jeff Cole.
The Presentation Sisters are well known in Central Newfoundland and on the Connaigre Peninsula for their many years of leadership, education and pastoral care among the people and for their ministry over 40 years at St. Catherine’s Renewal Center in Grand Falls-Windsor.
On June 9, 2016, the Sisters announced that they are gifting St. Catherine’s for the Dr. Lionel Kelland House/Presentation Hospice to provide quality care for people facing terminal illness and end of life issues, and support for their families in the central and southern areas of the province. In collaboration and partnership with a steering committee of medical personnel and various professionals from the community they, with the board of directors of the centre, came to the decision over the past year to support this first palliative care and hospice centre outside the healthcare system in the province. In keeping with the spirit of our foundress, Nano Nagle, this gift reflects our concern and compassion and means that the monies raised by the public can now go directly to the minor renovations needed to make St. Catherine’s ready to receive vulnerable patients and their families in the near future. This palliative care and hospice facility will be independently operated in coordination with the Central Health Authority and provincial palliative care work. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with progressive illness, death and bereavement through education, research, advocacy, and compassionate care.
Dr. Jeff Cole, vice president of Medical Service with the Central Health Authority, speaking on behalf of the volunteer group leading the efforts to develop the hospice, was overwhelmed by the widespread community support of the civic community since plans were announced over a year ago. He praised the Presentation Sisters for their good work, noting how extremely grateful they are for this gift which marks the Sisters’ legacy and also puts the committee into high gear in getting closer to their collective vision and the dream of Dr. Kelland, a much loved doctor in the area who succumbed to cancer.