Mark Preece Family House

[SteelTown]

Comfortable accommodations for families whose loved ones are in hospital

A home-away-from-home for families of adult patients in Hamilton hospitals is beginning to take shape on Barton Street East. Renovations have begun on the old stone building next to the General Hospital and will provide accommodations for 14 guest families when it opens in 2009.

The Mark Preece Family House is a not-for-profit charitable organization that was formed by friends, colleagues and family members of Dr. Mark Preece, a respected critical care physician at Hamilton Health Sciences who lost his battle to cancer in 1997. The family house was inspired by his family’s experiences while staying at a similar facility in Pittsburgh, where Dr. Preece received specialized care, allowing them to be near him at all times throughout his treatment. After his death, they recognized the need for support for families experiencing medically stressful situations in Hamilton.

“Whether you are a local or regional resident, your home is too far away when the future of your loved one is unclear,” said Christine Bradley, Chair, Board of Directors, Mark Preece Family House.

The Mark Preece Family House will provide these families with a place to rest for a modest fee. The family will be able to stay close by their loved one’s bedside and provide continued support. Guests will also feel supported by other families staying at the house who are sharing similar experiences.

“The challenges for out-of-town families are exacerbated by the huge costs associated with hotels, meals and parking,” said Lori Issenman, Chief of Social Work Practice at Hamilton Health Sciences. “Most families cannot manage these costs and require the support of a family house.”

Guests of the Mark Preece Family House may be families of adult patients from each of the five hospitals and cancer centre at Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare. Its location, next to the General, is convenient for the many patients and families who travel from across Ontario to receive acute care at the General.

“Hamilton Health Sciences is proud to support the Mark Preece Family House,” said Murray Martin, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences. “Patient and family-centred care is our priority.”

For more information about the Mark Preece Family House, contact Elaine Scrivener, Executive Director at (905) 529-0770 or visit www.markpreecehouse.ca.