St. Joseph’s Hospital and its foundation have unveilled their plans to relocate and expand the area of the hospital dedicated to the chemotherapy unit.
The expansion will move the department closer to the main entrance, increase floor space and provide additional comforts for patients. The project will be funded entirely by the foundation.
“We are continually searching for ways to improve care for our patients, and when considering those in need of chemotherapy, our goal is to allow our staff to provide the required care in a comfortable environment that will better meet the needs of the patients and caregivers," said St. Joseph's Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort.
“Our goal at St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is always to provide more and better services to our friends, family and neighbours while they undergo care here at St. Joe’s,” said hospital foundation executive director Travis Frank. “The new chemotherapy unit extension will provide a far better experience for many patients who are battling various types of cancer, and will give them the level of comfort and privacy they deserve.”
The hospital can currently accommodate up to three patients at a time in the chemotherapy unit. That number will remain the same, but the expansion will allow the hospital to provide greater comfort to those patients.
Approximately 450 individuals receive care at the chemotherapy unit each year. Many of them will receive treatment on numerous occasions.
In addition to additional space, comforts such as individual TVs, blanket warmers, private washrooms and seating for family are planned for the new space.
The hospital foundation said on Wednesday that it was looking for someone to purchase the naming rights to the chemotherapy unit for $50,000 over 10 years, as part of its revitalization campaign.
Later in the day, an anonymous donor had stepped forward with a $50,000 commitment to purchase the naming rights. The name will be announced at a later date.
“This name will be prominently displayed above the entrance to the unit in the emergency waiting room for a period of 10 years," said Frank.
This week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles will have more on this story.
