Wind River Hospice House now open

Wind River Hospice House now open

Opening today, Wind River Hospice House in Whistle Bend Place enables individuals with a life-limiting illness to live in safety and comfort until end of life.

The new palliative care services are for individuals with progressive, life-limiting illnesses who cannot or do not wish to be supported to die in their home. Health care professionals working at the Wind River House will include physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual caregivers, support staff and volunteers. They will work together to coordinate care along with Yukon's community care partners.

The Wind River Hospice House is an 18-room blended care unit. There will be a phased approach to opening, beginning with a maximum of six to eight hospice and respite hospice residents.

Wind River Hospice House is a key part of the overall Yukon Palliative Care program. This initiative is part of the Government of Yukon’s aging in place plan.

I am extremely pleased to announce the opening of the Wind River Hospice House, the first program of this type in Yukon. Wind River Hospice House will help Yukoners and their families through what can be a challenging time in their health and life journey. The staff are in place and ready to welcome the first residents.

Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost

Quick facts 
  • The Wind River Hospice House follows Yukon’s Palliative Care framework principles.

  • The Wind River Hospice House will open in phases, accepting admissions for a maximum of six to eight hospice and respite hospice residents.

  • As of June 1, 2020, there were 104 permanent residents at Whistle Bend Place.

  • The Wind River Hospice House is an 18-room blended care unit. It comprises:

    • eight rooms for hospice care (prognosis of four months or less)
    • four rooms for respite care (prognosis of 12 months or less)
    • six rooms for long-term care palliative care (prognosis 12 months or less)
Media contact 

Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca

Julie Ménard
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8478
julie.menard@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
20-166