Memorandum of Understanding

UNBC and PGHPCS Strengthen relationship by putting pen to paper

May 11, 2026 | 4:41 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The University of Northern British Columbia and the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding Monday morning. The MOU formalized a commitment between the two organizations to keep growing a longstanding relationship by working together on research that highlights best practices in hospice and palliative care. The partnership will allow UNBC students to get hands on learning experience including practicum placements.

“They do a lot of research and support for us and in return the students come and they learn from us and they help us develop projects. It really is a two way partnership where they do a lot to support the work we do to ensure that it’s evidence based and evaluated. In return we support the students in actually initiating and creating change within our community.” said PGHPCS Executive Director Donna Flood.

The partnership has already yielded positive results through years of collaboration including co-created research studies which focused on improving hospice care and the MOU is just a further testament as to how successful it can be moving forward.

“We’ve seen that the research has been transformative, not only for the people who utilize hospice but for the caregivers who are there day in and day out. It’s also had an impact internationally as some of the research that’s been done here has been recognized across the globe.” said UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen.

Though this partnership is longstanding today’s MOU solidifies the future and shows commitment to ensuring Hospice and Palliative care in Prince George and the North continue to set the standard.

“I want to ensure sustainability as I retire because things shouldn’t be based on personal relationships. We want this to be organizationally so this memorandum of understanding ensures the legacy of this relationship will continue. I think it’s really important and it’s one of the things that’s unique about Prince George is that the community comes together as a community to support the people we serve.” added Flood.

One UNBC professor says the partnership brings together community expertise and academic research to continue building how hospice palliative care is delivered to meet the needs of patients and families.