Through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, the Dauphin Regional Health Centre's Cancer Care Unit received a $30,000 donation to help cancer patients feel more comfortable receiving care.
In a news release, Prairie Mountain Health said often patients need to sit for extended periods to receive intravenous fluids and/or blood products. Having a warm seat helps ease that chill and discomfort. In addition, the chairs offer a swing away arm that allows staff the ability to transfer patients to a stretcher if needed in an emergency.
Kathy Ward, DRHC Chemotherapy Health Services Manager, said donations like this means a lot to staff and patients alike.
"When we receive donations from families and individuals who have received care at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, it's an indication that they are appreciative of the care we are able to deliver much closer to home...when we're able to purchase equipment and supplies that help to support our patients in their clinical environment, and particularly those in the cancer care world as they're going through their journey, it's extremely invaluable support to those patients and to the frontline staff," said Ward.
Though the new chairs are smaller than existing ones at the DRHC's Cancer Care Unit, Ward said having the new chairs helps give more options to help keep all kinds of cancer care patients comfortable.
"Overarchingly the mood has been positive, the staff are always grateful any time we receive new equipment or supplies, and our patients who are on the receiving end of that are also very grateful to receive them," said Ward.
Ward said the Dauphin Regional Health Centre's Cancer Care Unit sees 90 to 100 new patients each year, with varying treatment regimens. She said the new chairs will definitely see use helping patients feel more comfortable.
