Groundbreaking on Mayo Clinic Campus for
Hospice of the Valley "Home"

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

What: Groundbreaking ceremony for 12-bed hospice home to be constructed on the Mayo Clinic campus in northeast Phoenix

When: Tuesday, May 11, 2004, 9-10 a.m.

Participants: Hospice of the Valley and Mayo Clinic

Where: Mayo Clinic Hospital
5777 E. Mayo Blvd. (near 56th Street and the Loop 101)
Phoenix, AZ 85054

Background: Hospice of the Valley will build an inpatient facility on the Mayo Clinic campus in northeast Phoenix. The structure will be a home-like setting for patients whose needs are better met in an inpatient environment. There will be 12 private rooms, a family area, kitchen and an area for staff. As with all Hospice of the Valley inpatient units, families will be welcome around the clock.

Hospice of the Valley executive director Susan Levine says, "Although Hospice of the Valley and Mayo Clinic have been working together to serve patients at the end of life for many years, this marks a formal association and commitment between the two health care providers. Our missions are similar, and it's a natural progression of providing excellent care for our community."

"We are very pleased to be moving forward on this project with our partners at Hospice of the Valley. Hospice care is a vitally important option for our patients and their families," said Victor F. Trastek, M.D., chair, Board of Governors, Mayo Clinic.

###

To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.