A new hospice will soon be coming to Smiths Falls Rideau Community Health Services. The facility will be the first of its kind between Kingston and Ottawa. “I think the community would benefit from it,” says CEO Michele Bellows. “It gives patients and families another option for end-of-life. Right now, your options are hospital, travel to a hospice, or die at home.” Bellows says the area has already been approved for four hospice beds. However, she would like to see the number of beds increase. More than six, or as many as 10 would be ideal. Currently, there are no hospice beds in Perth, Merrickville or the Smiths Falls corridor. And although Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital offers palliative care, Bellows says it is not the same as a hospice. (Smiths Falls Record News, May 27)