Dr. Louise Coulombe

Dr. Louise Coulombe initiated the Community Palliative Care Network (CPCN) in 1996 with the aim of providing palliative care to people wishing to die at home. A patient had challenged her when she was working at the Sisters of Charity Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, stating: “Doctor, I would have lived at home until I died if I had had a doctor who would come to my home to care for me”.

The initiative started with one family physician providing 24 hour a day, 7 day a week clinical coverage for about 24 patients at a time. It has grown to a group of six physicians providing ongoing palliative care in patients' homes for over 150 patients at a time, support for family physicians who wish to continue to care for their patients at home but need education, help with coverage and mentoring, and palliative training for community nursing and personal support worker agencies. In the last year CPCN physicians have cared for about 450 patients, 70% of whom died in their homes.

 

 

“Dr. Coulombe came into our home seven years ago to look after my husband in his final hours. I had requested her services as I had already seen her work with two friends before my husband and was just so impressed by her dedication, knowledge, selflessness and compassion. We referred to her as a saint. She exuded caring, confidence and gave concentrated attention to my husband and earlier, my two friends. She also explained everything that she was doing, answered all of my questions and laid out what to expect. Her manner was most reassuring at a most difficult time. I am honoured to be able to join others in recognizing her excellence”

~ Sandra Zagon ~