HSN to host second end-of-life care forum

After a successful first foray into end-of-life care, Health Sciences North will host a second open forum on the topic Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Steelworkers Hall on Brady Street.

Doors for the free event will open at 5:30 p.m. It will feature five speakers who will share their unique perspectives on end-of-life care.

Brenda Cunningham, who has a chronic lung condition, will share her account of how she is planning her own end-of-life care.

Sister Constanza Romano, team lead for spiritual and religious care at St. Joseph's Health Centre, will discuss the spiritual, emotional and philosophical considerations that come into play with end-of-life care.

Lisa Poratto Mason, a lawyer with expertise in the field of medical consent and end-of-life care, will address the legal considerations families and patients must address when faced with a terminal outcome.

Dr. Andrew Knight, Health Science North's palliative care lead, will provide the audience with a sense of what physicians need to hear from patients and family members in order to help them plan end-of-life care. He will also address what physicians need to communicate to patients and family members.

Frankie Vitone, senior director of client services with the North East Community Care Access Centre and North East Regional Hospice Palliative Care Network, will provide an overview of end-of-life care services available in northeastern Ontario.

The public forum will also feature exhibitor booths to provide attendees with more information on local resources for end-of-life care.