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Macey’s departure concerns Delta Hospice Society member

Editor: It was with much concern and worry that I read the article in the Optimist regarding Nancy Macey's dismissal by the Delta Hospice Society board. I worked with the society as a counsellor for many years, retiring in December 2017.

Editor:

It was with much concern and worry that I read the article in the Optimist regarding Nancy Macey's dismissal by the Delta Hospice Society board.
I worked with the society as a counsellor for many years, retiring in December 2017.
When I started at Delta Hospice, we provided outreach and counselling services out of a store front office in the Tsawwassen Professional Building. We did not have a residential hospice.

Gradually, through fundraising and revenue from the thrift store, Macey raised the money to build our hospice and supportive care centre in Ladner.

Macey had the vision, tenacity and determination to create an environment that provided a safe haven to those who sought refuge and comfort at a vulnerable time in their lives, a place which could provide expertise and care.
Those of you who have been to the centre will know what a beautiful facility it is. Macey’s attention to detail touched every part of the development of the physical environment. This attention was also reflected in planning and in hiring, whether it was in administration, nursing or counselling. For Macey, everyone mattered and everyone had a voice.

Quite frankly, without Macey’s vision, the hospice residence and care centre would not exist.
So when I read of the termination, as a member of the Delta Hospice Society and as someone who cares about transparency, human relationships and the development of community, I am deeply concerned.
The core values of Delta Hospice are "excellence, lifelong learning, collaboration, commitment, respect and integrity." These are the qualities I expect those associated with the society, whether board member, volunteer or employee, to subscribe to.
Nancy Macey devoted 25 years of time, energy and commitment to build Delta Hospice. I do not think I am the only one who is concerned.
Gilly Heaps
Delta Hospice Society member