The Timiskaming Hospice Palliative Care Program has long been a vital support for individuals and families facing a terminal or life-limiting illnesses across our region.

This program isn’t new—but it is worth reminding our communities about. With recent staff additions, expanded awareness, and continued support from donors, it’s the right time to shine a light on the care, comfort, and compassion the program brings to residents of the entire Timiskaming District.

“This is a true example of health care collaboration at its best,” said Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO of Blanche River Health (BRH). “Blanche River Health works alongside the Timiskaming Hospice Palliative Care Program the same way we collaborate with the regional diabetes program—ensuring our communities receive seamless care that respects their needs and dignity.”

The program operates across the district, from Kirkland Lake to Englehart to Temiskaming Shores, with services and support available at the Kirkland Lake and Englehart sites of BRH, as well as Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard. It includes access to hospice palliative care suites, provides compassionate, patient-centred care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. This visiting volunteer program offers trained hospice palliative care volunteers who provide:

• Grief and bereavement support
• Respite care
• Friendly visiting

New Faces, Continued Dedication

Two new team members are bringing added energy and expertise to the program:

Erin Boisvenue was named the Palliative Care Coordinator for the region in 2024 and is known for her compassion and dedication, and is eager to bring meaningful support to patients and families across the district.

Lidia Ripel, a Registered Nurse and seasoned educator, joined as the Palliative Care Clinical Coach in July 2025. She brings over 15 years of experience, including leadership roles in dementia and palliative care.

“I’m passionate about supporting families through one of life’s most difficult transitions,” said Lidia. “Bringing dignity, knowledge, and compassion to end-of-life care is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

Understanding the Program

The program uses the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) to determine patient eligibility for hospice suites. The PPS helps assess a patient’s mobility, independence, and physical status to ensure appropriate care is provided.

Anyone diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness may be referred by a healthcare provider to access the program’s full range of supports—no matter where they live within the Temiskaming region.

Referrals can be made by healthcare providers through fax at 705-568-2160 or via Caredove (caredove.com).

Donor Support Making a Difference

The Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) continues to play a key role in supporting the program. Thanks to community support through events like The Magic of Christmas fundraiser, $20,000 was raised in 2024, helping to purchase palliative care chairs for the hospice palliative care suites in Englehart and Kirkland Lake—offering dignity and rest for family members during critical moments.

“Fundraising like this shows what’s possible when a community pulls together,” said Cassandra James, Executive Director, BRHF. “Funds raised helps ease pain and bring comfort to people when they need it most.”

How to Support the Palliative Care Program

Donations to support this vital program can be made in several ways:

• Online: brhfoundation.ca
• By Mail: Blanche River Health Foundation, 145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3P4

About Blanche River Health

Blanche River Health (BRH) is a 69-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (21 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you. 

BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel. 

Please direct media inquiries to: Communications and Public Relations

1-866-274-7774 ext. 2144 | communications@blancheriverhealth.ca

Pictured, left to right: 

Lidia Ripel (BRH Palliative Care Clinical Coach), Carol Ann Marcoux (BRH Allied Health Manager which includes leading Palliative Care), Erin Boisvenue (BRH Palliative Care Coordinator).