Who We Are

Kemp Care Network is more than just an organization; it is a compassionate community dedicated to serving the emotional, physical and social needs of individuals living with a serious illness, facing their last chapter, or grieving a death.

We are a world-class leader in regional palliative care with strong founding values and ever-evolving to best serve our community.

About Dr. Kemp

Driven by the belief that no one should face the end-of-life without the necessary support, Dr. Bob Kemp, a dedicated family physician, established the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice (now the Kemp Care Network) in 1994. He envisioned a place of hope, bringing together a compassionate team of volunteers and staff dedicated to providing care. In 2007, the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice took a significant step forward with the establishment of a 10-bed residential hospice at 277 Stone Church Road East.

Our History

Nearly thirty years ago, Dr. Bob Kemp recognized an opportunity to redefine how palliative care was offered in the Greater Hamilton Area. Foremost, a founding value was to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. And, it all started with a generous donation of land by Iris Berryman.

Bringing Pediatric Hospice Care to South-Central Ontario

In 2024, we held a ceremonial groundbreaking for Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta Children’s Hospice.

This will be the first pediatric hospice of its kind in South-Central Ontario, offering 24/7 care, respite, and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Inspired by the story of Keaton Millar and built with support from the Paul Paletta Foundation, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and hundreds of donors, Keaton’s House reflects everything Kemp Care Network stands for: compassion, dignity, and connection.

Together, we’re building more than a hospice – we’re making more moments possible.

Learn More About Keaton’s House

Our Mission

To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well-being during times of serious, life-limiting illness and loss.

We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.

Our Values

Dignity

We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our clients and their families is based in dignity and respect.

Compassion

Our care for clients and their families is based in compassion, empathy and kindness.

Collaboration

We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.

Inclusivity

We welcome diversity in our clients and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.

Excellence

We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.

Land Acknowledgment

Kemp Care Network acknowledges our place is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America), and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers. We stand in solidarity with murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, transgender and two-spirit people.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) at Kemp Care Network

Patient-centred care is at the heart of everything we do at Kemp Care Network. We are honoured to walk alongside individuals and families during some of life’s most tender moments, including end of life. Respecting each person’s dignity, values, relationships, and lived experience guides how we provide hospice and palliative care.

We recognize that every person comes to us shaped by unique cultural, social, spiritual, and personal experiences. To truly meet people where they are, we are committed to embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into how we care for those we serve, support our staff and volunteers, and engage with our community.

We are currently in Year 2 of our EDIB journey. Building on a foundation of listening and learning, this work is now more intentionally integrated into our strategic priorities.

In Year 2, our focus includes:

Deepening equitable, patient-centred care and inclusive environments, ensuring care is responsive to diverse identities, beliefs, and lived experiences, and that all who enter our hospice feel respected and valued.
Expanding education, shared language, and accessible resources to support culturally responsive and compassionate care.
Deepening engagement with community voices, including Indigenous perspectives, to guide trust-building and continuous improvement.
Embedding EDIB into policies, communication, and everyday practices, so that kindness, respect, and inclusion are consistently reflected across the organization.

We recognize that inequities exist within healthcare and can shape how people experience care. EDIB at Kemp Care Network is an ongoing journey, guided by humility, compassion, and sustained commitment, so that equity, inclusion, and belonging are increasingly felt by both those we serve and those who care for them. We welcome feedback and conversation as we continue to learn and grow in partnership with our community.

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