[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMENDING SAINT AGNES HOSPICE FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Saint Agnes 
Hospice in celebrating 25 years of compassionate care. An open house 
was held to commemorate this milestone on Monday, November 24th in 
Fresno, California.
  In its 25th year, Saint Agnes Hospice continues to focus on pain and 
symptom management in patient care, and strives to raise awareness 
among the public and physicians about the value of Hospice care. Since 
its establishment in 1978, the organization's main purpose has been to 
reflect the mission of the Saint Agnes Medical Center by extending 
Christ's love to the terminally ill and their families; recognizing 
that each person is unique and deserving of compassion while stewarding 
the human and financial resources. Their goal is to meet and serve the 
needs of individuals, promoting dignity, comfort, and peace to enable 
them to live until they die. Founded by Sister Raphael McGrath, CSC, 
BSN, MSNE, Saint Agnes Hospice has made it possible for terminally ill 
patients to live out their final days with dignity in the comfort and 
privacy of their own home. Hospice focuses on living and maintaining 
the patient and family's quality of life.
  Saint Agnes Hospice has grown dramatically over the years and 
continues to offer patients and families a variety of levels of care. 
During fiscal year 2003, it served 346 patients, an increase from 265 
patients in 2002. The Hospice Team is staffed around the clock by an 
outstanding group of individuals; physicians, nurses, chaplains, social 
workers, and volunteers. The four levels of care available are Routine 
Home Care, Continuous Home Care, Inpatient Respite Care, and General 
Inpatient Care. FOOTSTEPS, an expressive arts support group is 
available for children who have experienced difficult life losses and 
their caregivers. Finally, Bereavement care is planned and available to 
support families for a year following the loss of a loved one.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Saint Agnes Hospice on 
its 25th anniversary. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing them 
many years of compassionate care for the citizens of the Central 
Valley.

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