Journal staff
The cancer clinic at Bluewater Health will undergo a $3.7 million renovation next year, the hospital announced this week.
“The expansion of Bluewater Health’s Cancer Clinic will greatly benefit our patients, providing additional space and improved ease of access,” said Dr. Kenneth Yoshida, oncologist. “This is necessary for our growing community and will help us to continue providing the highest standard of care for the people of Sarnia-Lambton.”
The Bluewater Health Foundation has committed to supporting 100% of the project costs totalling $3.7 million, a news release noted. The proceeds from this year’s Gala event, held Thursday, will be going towards the cancer clinic redevelopment.
The clinic is seeing more patients, and the facility design, completed over a decade ago, no longer meets current needs in terms of patient flow, capacity, accessibility, comfort and privacy, the hospital added.
“The doors opened to Bluewater Health’s Norman building addition nearly 15 years ago. Much of the equipment that was purchased during the construction is now nearing or at its end of life. Healthcare trends and available treatment modalities have shifted considerably over the last decade.
“Through a large-scale renovation, Bluewater Health will bring together oncology and pharmacy in a network of services to provide a more coordinated and seamless approach to the patient experience. This centre will be designed and built with a focus on patient and family-centred care. It will enrich quality of care and build hope for patients and their loved ones.”
“The cancer clinic is vital in providing the very best of care for patients, while also keeping those patients close to home,” said Kathy Alexander, executive director, Bluewater Health Foundation. “It will take significant community support and investment, and the Foundation has committed to raising $3.7 million for the redevelopment of this incredibly important community resource.
“We are asking our generous community to consider making a gift towards this upcoming project.”
The redeveloped space will include new patient reception and waiting areas, and versatile clinical rooms where examinations, procedures and consultations can take place with your physicians and care team in a private area.
A brand new state of the art lab was installed last year and supports innovative and evolving technology testing. The onsite pharmacy will provide the remaining piece of the network of services for patients to support their treatment and care.
The redevelopment is expected to take approximately 12 months, with a completion date of early 2025.