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Saint Elizabeth recognized for social innovation in end of life care

Saint Elizabeth is partnering with Hospice Georgian Triangle on a bold community engagement campaign about the future of hospice care.

At a time when there is a huge and growing need for quality end of life care, Saint Elizabeth has been recognized for its leadership and community benefit investments.

The not-for-profit social enterprise was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at the annual Hospice Palliative Care Ontario Conference on April 23. Saint Elizabeth CEO Shirlee Sharkey was also selected to deliver the event’s marquee keynote address, the Carmelita Lawlor Lecture in Palliative Care, which focused on social innovation and impact in end of life care.

Building on more than 100 years of leadership in community health care, Saint Elizabeth is using innovative approaches such as partnerships, co-design, and the creative use of digital and virtual technologies to expand access to care, create new models and increase public engagement.

“Saint Elizabeth is a truly outstanding and innovative philanthropic partner for hospice sector,” said Rick Firth, President and CEO of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario. “They invest, they mentor, they help plan, and they offer an active role in supporting hospice development. At the centre of Saint Elizabeth’s efforts is their people. Their expertise is evident but their enthusiasm for helping hospice goes well beyond job descriptions – it’s about compassion for people and a desire to make a difference in communities across Ontario.”

FAST FACTS:

  • Saint Elizabeth has invested $4 million since 2015 to improve access to end of life care in Canada. The funding is targeted in four areas:
    • Hospice partnerships
    • Education and capacity development
    • Spiritual care and family wellness
    • Mainstreaming conversations about end of life care
  • The Outstanding Philanthropist Award recognizes individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and community organizations who best exemplify vision, financial support and dedication towards fostering the true spirit of hospice palliative care in Ontario.

  • The Carmelita Lawlor Lecture in Palliative Care is made possible by the generous endowment at the University of Toronto established by Carmelita Lawlor who died from cancer. Carmelita wanted to ensure there was an ongoing opportunity to learn about palliative care from well-known and respected people in the field.

About Saint Elizabeth

Saint Elizabeth is a diversified health care company that has been opening the door to new possibilities and care experiences for more than a century. Recognized as Canada’s largest social enterprise, the not-for-profit charitable organization employs 8,000 people and visits 19,000 clients a day, totalling 50 million visits in the past decade alone. Through its Research Centre, Health Career Colleges and Foundation, Saint Elizabeth is helping to make the future of health care brighter and stronger.

Media Contact
Madonna Gallo
905-968-6430
mgallo@saintelizabeth.com