The Chemotherapy Unit at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre has had a facelift thanks to donations made through The Health Foundation.
Ross Fisher, Executive Director of the Foundation told media last Wednesday the work on the unit included painting four rooms in more aesthetically appealing colours, adding a big screen television to one treatment room for patients and family, purchasing new, more comfortable chairs for patient treatment, and families, all things which "improve the atmosphere."
In addition, a new vital signs monitor was added to the unit, said Fisher.
The local chemotherapy unit treated 160 patients last November, usually eight-to-10 per day, doing a select few types of therapy. Fisher said plans are under way which see the range of therapies undertaken at the hospital increasing later this year. That will mean more patients will be able to be treated within the region and not have to travel to Regina or Saskatoon.
The overall work on the unit was made possible through $11,000 in donations, $4,500 from the SaskTel Pioneers.
"I'm so happy to see it done," said Jean Bryski, vice president of the local Pioneers.
Bryski explained they are one of 10 locals in the province, with each group doing volunteer work and making financial donations to programming primarily dealing with heath and education. She added as part of telecommunication groups worldwide they are "the biggest industry-based volunteer organization in the world."
In the case of the donation to the Chemotherapy Unit Bryski said it was an obvious choice for the group.
"I don't think any one of our members hasn't been touched by cancer," she said.
