First free-standing hospice house in Hampton Roads opens in Virginia Beach [Video]

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton Roads’ first free-standing hospice home opened this morning in Virginia Beach after 10 years of planning.

Previously: Hospice house looks to fill a growing need in Hampton Roads

The hospice house will provide compassionate care to patients at the end of their life.It was the dream of Dr. Ronald Dozoretz, whose family the house is named for.

“My dad always had the most caring nature,” Shari Friedman said. “He was always so passionate and compassionate with people in need.”

A recent report from Old Dominion University estimated that Hampton Roads needs 45 in-patient hospice beds per day.

“We have over 1.8 million people just on the Southside of Hampton Roads,” said Ben Unkle, Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay CEO, “and this is the only hospice house that they can come to to meet their needs.”

Westminster-Canterbury and Beth Shalom Village manage the house, which …