Staff
Grey Bruce Health Services open their fully renovated Cancer Centre at the Owen Sound Regional Hospital today (Tuesday, March 22).
All three oncologists have now moved to the fifth floor and will be seeing patients in the new Centre.
This renovation is a key component of The Hospital Campaign, an $11.4 million fundraising initiative focused on improving cancer care services for patients throughout Grey Bruce and upgrading equipment and facilities at all six GBHS hospitals.
“This much-needed renovation was made possible by generous donations to The Hospital Campaign, and through the hard work of our five foundations, auxiliaries, and many dedicated volunteer fundraisers,” said Bob McDowall, who recently stepped down as Chair of the GBHS Board of Directors due to cancer. “As a cancer patient myself, I know how important this service is to our communities, and on behalf of GBHS, I’d like to thank our donors for making the cancer journey a little more comfortable for patients, families and staff.”
Prior to the renovation, oncology services were spread over three floors of the hospital, and patients had to travel between floors for care. The fifth floor Cancer Centre has forty per cent more space, with two chemotherapy treatment rooms, a larger waiting lounge for patients and families, more privacy, and efficient work spaces for staff and physicians. In addition, a specialized pharmacy for the preparation of chemotherapy medications is now located on the fifth floor, making the preparation and administration of chemotherapy drugs both timely and safe.
“We book over 14,000 cancer visits per year at GBHS, and we were long overdue for a modern, dedicated Cancer Centre. We’re pleased to offer a new, redesigned space where our staff can continue delivering the best care possible to our patients,” said Lance Thurston, GBHS President and CEO.
The Hospital Campaign still needs to raise approximately $700,000 to meet its goal of $11.4 million. Anyone wishing to support the Campaign can visit www.helpcrushcancer.ca to make an online donation. Donations can also be made by calling your local GBHS Foundation, or 519-372-3925.
