The fundraiser thermometer sign signalling the latest fundraising effort to improve oncology and pharmacy departments was officially unveiled outside St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake Monday signalling the latest fundraising effort is underway.
The latest project for the St. Joseph’s Foundation is the refurbishment of the oncology department. The project is critical for two reasons: it is a requirement to retain certification to provide treatment (prepare and administer medications, etc.) and it will also allow the hospital to increase the number of patients who can be treated, which directly correlates to fewer trips out of town for patients and their families.
The hospital has seen a steady increase in patients seeking chemotherapy treatment to about 500 last year. Some of the treatment involves having to travel to Sudbury for more complicated medication formulas required, something past foundation chairman William Elliott has experienced as a driver.
“I have personal experience taking someone to and from Health Sciences North for treatment and that trip is very uncomfortable for them, so if it can be avoided that is a big improvement in ‘patient care and comfort’, one of the Foundation’s main goals,” he said.
The overall project cost estimate has varied but it will likely come in at $1.2 million.
“It appears that the province will come up with roughly $500,000 of that, leaving a $700,000 shortfall that the Foundation has committed to raising,” Elliott added.
“We are anticipating several estate donations in the near future which will help, but we were able to launch the project with a charity fundraiser from the Wendell Farquhar Memorial golf tournament. Farquhar was a longtime Elliot Lake businessperson and big community supporter, and his wife, Brenda, worked at the hospital for many years.”
Between the golf tournament and the monthly hospital 50/50 draw about $75,000 has been raised so far.
“A long way to go but we have great faith in the community and have no doubt by this time next year the project will be fully funded,” Elliott said.
The renovations will include construction of hazardous and non-hazardous compounding areas, installation of an HVAC system and temperature control, segregated areas to receive hazardous materials, construction of a health and safety shower area for staff impacted by a hazardous spill, a bar-coding area to enhance patient safety and a hazardous compounding video verification system.
For the community, the renovation will mean patients continue to receive chemotherapy at the hospital, fewer patients will have to travel for treatment, better safety for staff and patients, and it will mean the hospital will meet all regulatory standards to maintain accreditation.
The plan is to start the renovation in the spring next year and it will be completed within four to six months.