At more than 90 per cent capacity, the Red Deer Hospice Society is embarking on a $5.2-million fundraising campaign to expand its facility.

Executive director and fundraising coordinator Val Hilario says the plan is to add 15,000 square feet, with six new private care rooms on the main floor.

Additions to the main floor would also include enhanced family areas, and multipurpose rooms that would be used for education, respite care and day programming.

“We’re not aware of any time we’ve had to turn someone away. But we’re coming up to that within the next few years because we don’t have the rooms any longer,” Hilario said.

“So it’s always been in the plan from when the building was built, to put an expansion on when the growth was needed and we are at that point.

The second floor would include offices, meeting rooms and another multipurpose area.

As well, a dedicated staff area and storage space would go in a fully-developed basement.

The goal is to complete the expansion by the fall of 2019.

According to the hospice, Alberta Health Services has pledged to increase operating funds once the 11th bed is open.

Right now, the building measures 10,000 sq ft. with 10 resident care rooms.