Beyond the Stethoscope

Discover the Heart of Hospice Volunteering

What does it mean to volunteer with hospice? In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, our guest host Tracy Lavigne speaks with hospice professionals from Hospice Orillia and Hospice Simcoe Seasons Centre about the essential role volunteers play in supporting individuals and families living with life-limiting illness, end-of-life care, and bereavement.

From providing companionship, a listening ear, and caregiver relief to creating life-story books, supporting grief programs, preparing meals, assisting with events, and helping behind the scenes, hospice volunteers bring compassion and connection to every part of the care journey. The conversation also explores the training involved, the personal rewards of volunteering, and opportunities to make a difference in homes, hospitals, long-term care, community programs, and beyond.

Listen to learn how a simple act of presence can offer comfort, dignity, and meaningful support when people need it most—and discover how you could become part of the hospice volunteer community.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we dive into one of the most common and challenging symptoms in palliative care: nausea and vomiting. Guided by a lively discussion between host Lori Gill and guest Nancy Good-Kennedy, NSMHPCN Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultant, we explore a landmark study that asks a provocative question — does the exact cause of nausea always need to be identified before treatment begins? Join us as we unpack the evidence behind the long-standing debate between etiology-based prescribing and a simpler haloperidol-first approach, and what this means for delivering timely, compassionate symptom relief.

Article: A randomized open-label study of guideline-driven antiemetic therapy versus single agent antiemetic therapy in patients with advanced cancer and nausea not related to anticancer treatment

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

Join our host Lori Gill, along with Deborah Sloan, PPSMC with NSMHPCN, for an honest, compassionate discussion about the palliative care journey, caregiving, end-of-life experiences, and the things many of us wish we had known sooner. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

In our latest episode, we sit down with Julie Leighton and Deborah Sloan, both Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultants with the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN), to explore the challenges and opportunities of Advance Care Planning within vulnerable populations. Julie and Deborah share their insights on building trust, bridging communication gaps, and ensuring that every voice is heard when it comes to future health care decisions. 

Tune in to gain practical strategies, compassionate perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how we can make care planning more inclusive and equitable for all. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

In this episode, we explore the rich diversity and faith traditions of Mennonite communities—and how these shape experiences of illness, dying, and end-of-life care. Rooted in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, Mennonites today live in both traditional and modern settings across Canada, including thriving communities here in Ontario.

You’ll hear from community nurses and palliative care consultants who are partnering to provide compassionate, culturally aware care for Mennonite families who wish to receive support at home. Together, they share stories of collaboration, faith, and the deeply human connections that form when healthcare professionals meet patients where they are—honouring belief, family, and the continuity of life beyond death.

Tune in to discover how understanding cultural values not only improves care but also enriches the experiences of everyone involved in the journey through palliative care.

Related resources:

1. Death & Dying Beliefs and Practices Among Low-German Speaking Mennonites: Application to Practice - https://www.virtualhospice.ca/Assets/ULeth_DD_Final_20190314130357.pdf
2. Canadian Mennonite - 10 things to know about Mennonites in Canada – Canadian Mennonite Magazine
3. Medical Encounters in "Closed Religious Communities": Palliative Care for Low German-Speaking Mennonite PEOPL https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/thesescanada/vol2/002/MR82317.PDF?oclc_number=890956512

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we explore how cultural diversity shapes end-of-life care. Drawing from the study Managing Cultural Diversity in End-of-Life Care, Lori, Rachel, and Laura discuss the challenges nurses face — from language barriers and cultural beliefs to spirituality, family dynamics, and system constraints — and why cultural humility and patient-centred care matter more than ever. A thoughtful conversation on providing dignified, inclusive care at the end of life.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

Please join Lynda Meeks, NSMHPCN PPSMC and Lisa Wright SGB

Palliative Care Clinical Coach discuss Lisa’s role and work in the

realm of Leadership in Palliative Care.

Palliative Care Clinical Coaches in Ontario are healthcare professionals who provide expert guidance, mentorship, and support to local healthcare teams in diverse settings like long-term care homes, retirement homes, and primary care. They help organizations build palliative care competencies, implement best practices, and improve quality of care through initiatives like education, quality improvement projects, and consultations on complex patient cases. This role is part of a provincial strategy to strengthen palliative care within community settings and is often supported by regional Ontario Health Teams and the Palliative Care Health Services Delivery Framework. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

Join host Lori Gill and Rachel Lapensee, NSMHPCN Clinical Nurse Manager, as they explore the topic of predicting next-day survival in imminently dying cancer patients. 

Related tools: Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

Join host, Lori Gill, as she is joined by Tracy Lavigne, NSMHPCN PPSMC, and Krista Hastings, Clinical Manager with Ontario Health atHome, as they discuss Ontario Health atHome’s role in coordination of palliative care at home and the importance of linking patients and families with the essential supports and services that are required to support the provision of hospice palliative care and end of life care in the community.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

In this episode, host Lori Gill and podcast producer Amanda Tevelde will celebrate the 50th episode with the help of some past guests who will pose questions we’ve all been wanting to ask!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.