Florida-based VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, which operates three programs in Connecticut, is opening a new inpatient hospice unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.
The 12-private-bed facility, set to open April 4,  will provide hospice care, along with respite and supportive care and will be attended by  a team of physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and bereavement support staff.
The new hospice unit is expected to add about 40 jobs in Waterbury.
VITAS, which is the largest U.S. end-of-life care provider, also has a Connecticut presence in Stratford, Glastonbury and Middlefield.
“The hospice service is an opportunity for us to partner with VITAS to keep patients close to home at a very important time, as they near the end of life,” said Chad W. Wable, president and CEO of Saint Mary’s Hospital. “What this allows us to do is focus on the special needs and concerns of not only the patients but their families, and enhance the services we provide at this critical time.”
