CORNWALL, Ontario – A new chemotherapy program at the Cornwall Community Hospital is expected to treat 275 people a year.
The cost of the program is expected to total some $400,000 – $30,000 of which was covered this week by the Cornwall Seaway Lions Club via a donation.
It’s expected the chemotherapy program will be in operation in Cornwall before the end of the year.
“This is not a service currently offered here in Cornwall, but unfortunately is desperately needed to help individuals in our community who are fighting cancer,” the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation said in a release.
Hundreds of cancer patients in our area are relying on family or friends to transport them to Ottawa, and Winchester, and sometimes Kingston or Montreal for their cancer treatment and appointments.
In fact, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2012 more than 400 people in Cornwall and SD&G needed transportation services to get to their cancer related appointments.
The average transportation cost (not including parking, meals and lost wages) to one round-trip appointment is about $66. But it can take up to 14 trips, or about 42 hours of travelling, for a typical cancer treatment regimen.
The focal point of the chemo program in Cornwall will be a $100,000 so-called ‘sterile preparation room’ which will include a dedicated air system. The room will be the link between the pharmacy and patient treatment room.
Equipment costs for the program are expected to hit $300,000.
Although the Ontario government funds hospital operations and building capital, there has not been an increase in CCH’s base funding budget to accommodate this project. In the face of restrained government funding, there is an expectation for local communities to contribute towards the purchase of equipment and services.
A radiothon April 2 will raise funds to add to the Lions club donation.
