Robert Hung Ngai Ho C.M., O.B.C., has been a generous and prolific philanthropic partner to the Foundation and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). His support has enabled capital investments across VCH, including the Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre at VGH and the Greta & Robert H.N Ho Psychiatry & Education (HOpe) Centre at Lions Gate Hospital.
Two recent gifts from Robert have been creative investments in people: The Robert H.N. Ho Enhancing Patient Care Fund and the innovative iPACE program in palliative care. The significance of these gifts goes far beyond physical spaces, and their impact has been deeply felt in communities across VCH.
Empowering front line staff
The best facilities, tools and equipment need to be partnered with dedicated, innovative staff in order to have the best possible outcomes for patient care. In order to recruit and retain the best and brightest professionals, VCH requires robust training and education programs for its people.
Robert has made it his goal to transform health care by providing the investments that identify and nurture future leaders. His generosity is expanding the expertise and knowledge available across VCH, and is directly influencing and improving patient care.
“True quality of care is not only about access to the best facilities, research and equipment. It is also about investing in people, listening to them and giving them the chance and time to reflect on how to deliver the most efficient and best care possible,” says Robert. “I am proud to see that this is inspiring others to follow in our philanthropic footsteps.”
Speaking up for end-of-life care
Palliative care can be a difficult thing to talk about. Securing funding for research and program development can be challenging too.
Palliative care provides medical services, emotional support and spiritual resources for people who have terminal illnesses and are in their final stages of life. Robert’s generosity is supporting these patients through the innovative “Integrating a Palliative Approach by having Conversations Early” (iPACE) model.
“End-of-life is a reality for every human being. We are often shy to address this openly, and need to take the time to listen to patients and their families.”
“The iPACE program is an important and integral part of my vision that by investing in people and giving them the knowledge, tools and support they need, we can make significant changes in people’s lives and their well-being — physically, mentally and spiritually,” says Robert.
Through the hiring of palliative care specialist “champions” across VCH, we are improving palliative care both at home and in residential care settings. Combined with other improvements such as more hospice capacity, VCH is making the end-of-life experience more meaningful for patients and their families.
iPace at a Glance
835 educational sessions delivered to
3468 staff members
100 new “goals of care” conversations per month
