The redevelopment of Bluewater Health's Cancer Clinic is expected to begin in early 2024 with an approximate completion date of early 2025.
The Bluewater Health Foundation has committed to funding the $3.7 million project through initiatives and events, such as the gala which was held last week with keynote speaker Dr. Haley Wickenheiser.
The Norman building at Bluewater Health's Sarnia site opened nearly 15 years ago and is in need of an updated design and new equipment.
"The numbers that it was designed for aren't really reflective of the current number of people coming through with the needs for oncology and chemotherapy treatments," said Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander. "We'll still have patients that will travel to London for radiology -- that's not going to shift, and for other modalities of cancer, they'll still need to leave the community, but we'll be able to serve more and more patients locally and close to home. Feedback from our patients and families has really been core to this new project that we're working on."
Alexander said the project has been in the works for "quite some time" but the COVID-19 pandemic put plans on hold.
The redeveloped space will include new patient reception and waiting areas, and versatile clinical rooms. It will also be near the onsite pharmacy and a new state-of-the-art lab that was installed last year.
Reception - Cancer Clinic Rendering. May 19, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Bluewater Health Foundation)
Alexander said the redevelopment will make the care methods a bit more cohesive in an environment that is more soothing and welcoming.
"A cancer diagnosis can be really scary and difficult and we want to make sure that when patients have that experience at Bluewater Health, it's the best experience at a difficult time," said Alexander. "[Also] that it's ease of access and that they don't have to worry about being in one area of the hospital versus another area of the hospital."
Those interested in supporting the redevelopment project can contact the hospital foundation at (519) 464-4438 or kalexander@bluewaterhealth.ca.
The Bluewater Health Foundation Gala was expected to generate over $80,000.