Chemotherapy patients at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital's Cancer Clinic have a refreshed treatment area and upgraded pharmacy now that renovations totalling $1.8 million are complete.

The project was cost-shared by the Vancouver Island Health Authority/Ministry of Health and the Regional Hospital District of Nanaimo. The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation provided a generous donation totalling $16,500 for equipment.

The upgrade has added one more clinic room, and the overall space has been refreshed. Additionally, since the upgrade, the pharmacy is able to handle an increased volume of patients and also provides an improved atmosphere for patients and staff.

To further support patients, the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic has recently recruited a medical oncologist to join two general practice oncology physicians. As well, four registered nursing staff have become oncology specialty certified with the Canadian Nurses Association.

The cancer clinic, located in the hospital's ambulatory care unit, sees patients from the central and west coasts of Vancouver Island, including the communities of Ladysmith, Port Alberni and the Parksville-Qualicum region up to Bowser.

The upgrades to the cancer clinic's pharmacy are just one investment to improve the facilities and services at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Since 2001, more than $100 million has been invested in building patient care for this region including, a $9.4-million renal dialysis centre and a new, state-of the art $36.9-million emergency department that is set to open later this year.

Quotes:

Joe Stanhope, Regional Hospital District of Nanaimo chair -

"The Regional District of Nanaimo is committed to cost-sharing for major projects so that our citizens can receive the best possible care. RDN residents undergoing chemotherapy now benefit from an additional treatment room and a new pharmacy dedicated to the preparation of chemotherapy drugs."

"These upgrades, along with the Perinatal Unit, the Full Service Renal Unit, and the new Emergency Department opening in September 2012 are all the result of significant cost-sharing partnerships in recent years."

Maeve O'Byrne, president and CEO Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation -

"We are so pleased to have contributed funding for the purchase of a new Biohazard Safety Hood for the preparation of chemotherapy drugs and we could not have done this without the continued and generous support of our donors."

Don Hubbard, VIHA board chair -

"We are committed to providing the highest possible quality of care and this new renovation complements existing services for our patients such as social work, nutrition and telehealth."

Quick Facts:

• The Nanaimo Cancer Clinic serves approximately 3,500 chemotherapy patients annually.
• Many cancer patients in this region can follow up with their oncologist through telehealth. In 2011, 703 telehealth clients saved 168,720 kilometres in travel.
• At the cancer clinic up to 20 volunteers, many cancer survivors themselves, provide patient support.
• About one in three British Columbians will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.
• According to 2011 estimates in the Canadian Cancer Society's Canadian Cancer Statistics report, mortality rates for all cancers combined are lowest in B.C.

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)