Our Society
The Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County is a vital community healthcare partner. The Society is led by a dynamic board of directors and committee volunteers who work in partnership with Society staff, a dedicated Palliative Care Service Team, volunteers, and donors to ensure that palliative care needs across our community are met.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission: The Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County’s mission is to support and promote compassionate care for individuals and their loved ones who are living with a life-threatening illness.
Vision: As a leading community healthcare partner, the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County advances sustainable programs and services for palliative care patients and families of Cape Breton County.
Honouring Our Late Past Chair and Co-Lead of the Hospice Cape Breton Build - Nancy Dingwall
In 2009 Nancy was invited and agreed to join the board of the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. She had personal interactions with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital’s palliative care team during her parents’ end-of-life journeys and believed wholeheartedly in palliative care. While Nancy was chair of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation board, the foundation and the Palliative Care Society partnered in fundraising events to raise the funds necessary to establish the An Cala palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
As with all facets of her life, when Nancy committed herself to a project or a cause she gave 150 per cent. She became actively engaged in various roles within the society – the executive, board, and eventually board chair. In 2019 Nancy agreed to co-chair the Hospice Cape Breton Build Committee. Nancy’s presence was quiet and valued as she offered her well-reasoned thoughtful recommendations and matched them with action. The time she gave to the society in 15 years is immeasurable. Nancy was a leader, open, kind, truthful, resourceful, meticulous, dedicated and an absolute pleasure to work with in all roles and responsibilities that she assumed. Nancy has left the society’s past and current board members and staff with wonderful memories, wise counsel, a desire to always do better and an overwhelming community legacy in the new Hospice Cape Breton.
Sadly, Nancy passed away in hospice on December 10, 2022. As members of the society and the service, we continue to feel her spirit, warmth and wisdom in all efforts that define the society. We are grateful for Nancy’s many attributes, her inspiration, and the gifts she shared with the society and the broader community.
Honouring Our Late Society Founder - Dr. Peter Jackson
When Dr. Peter Jackson arrived in Cape Breton from the United Kingdom with his wife and three-month old son more than 50 years ago, he brought not only his medical expertise, but also his deep appreciation for the special needs of those facing life-limiting illness. His dedication and leadership in this field of care was instrumental in the establishment of the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
To his medical colleagues, Dr. Jackson was a champion for hospice palliative care services, an enthusiastic teacher, a supportive mentor, and a physician leader who demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, wisdom, and integrity. To the broader community, he was a respected physician, well-loved for his kindness, compassion, and care. To all, he was a friend who always made time for conversation and to share his trademark wit and wisdom. His legacy is evident in the new Hospice Cape Breton, the An Cala palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and a strong community palliative care service.
Dr. Peter Jackson unequivocally loved his work. His enormous yet quiet contributions to the foundation of hospice palliative care in this community reflect his many warm and caring attributes, the essence of caring for patients and families, and the importance of valuing human life to the end. He will always be missed, and the society is grateful for his gracious and focused leadership when it was needed most.