The South Shore Hospice, located within Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, officially opened in 2026 thanks to the generous support of the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society, the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore, and the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Their significant contributions helped furnish the hospice rooms, transforming them into a comfortable and appropriate setting for patients and families. The hospice provides comfort-focused care for patients nearing the end of life who do not require acute hospital care but have care needs that exceed what can be provided at home. This supportive environment allows patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible.
The hospice includes five private rooms, each with its own washroom and space thoughtfully designed to accommodate family members. These spaces allow loved ones to be present, including staying overnight if they wish.
Hospice patients receive professional nursing care with physician support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Onsite services, including social work, grief and bereavement support, and occupational therapy, are also available to support patients and their families.
A referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner is needed. To be eligible, someone must have:
Other considerations for Hospice eligibility are detailed in the Hospice Eligibility Policy, including understanding that the goal of care is comfort.
NSH Provincial Specialist Palliative Care and Hospice Referral Form
Visitors are welcome at South Shore Hospice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please note that entrance doors may be locked after hours. Security will assist visitors inside the building.
Free parking is available on-site.
Hospice is available to all Nova Scotians with a valid Health Card. There should be no additional costs beyond what you would normally pay if you were staying at home.
TVs are in each patient room. There is no fee for these amenities.
Patients are encouraged to bring their own cell phone, or other communication device, along with chargers for any anticipated hospital stay.
To reach a patient who doesn't have their own communication device, please call the main switchboard at (902) 634-8801.
South Shore Hospice has 5 large private patient bedrooms. All patient rooms have pull out sleep furnishings so families can stay overnight. Patients may bring freshly laundered items that bring comfort and meaningful personal items (e.g. family pictures, mementos) with them to Hospice.
There is free public WiFi in the building.
If you follow a special diet or have food-related allergies or sensitivities, let us know when you arrive. Visitors are also able to enjoy coffee and use the amenities in the family room.
Hospice care is a part of palliative care. A hospice residence provides a home-like setting for people who are nearing the end of life, who...