Hospice Miramichi has announced plans to turn the former Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home into a residential hospice facility.

The new hospice will occupy the third floor of the former nursing home, and will provide 24-hour end-of-life care for up to four patients at a time. The facility will also offer two respite care beds for people that can no longer be cared for at home, or do not want to be cared for at a hospital.

Hospice chair Paul McGraw said Hospice Miramichi will be responsible for the non-clinical support services required to operate the facility, including rent, meals, utilities, supplies, and more. The annual expenses total $400,000.

Hospice Miramichi’s offices are now located at the Mount, and the group plans to also move their day hospice and outreach programs to the facility. McGraw said the Hospice Shoppe will remain on Duke Street in Chatham.