BURIN, NL – Upgrades at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre have transformed the hospital’s chemotherapy unit into a more warm and inviting space.
An official opening was held to celebrate the completed renovations to the unit at the hospital on Friday, March 2.
Members of the Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation (BPHCF) board of directors, Eastern Health staff, government officials and Newfoundland Power employees gathered in the hospital’s cafeteria for a formal ceremony before the chemo unit was opened up for people to take a look at the refurbished area.
BPHCF board member Loretta Lewis said the organization was pleased to be honouring its $300,000 campaign commitment to Eastern Health.
“The response to the Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation’s board’s call for campaign support was swift and ensured that this project got fast tracked largely because vast healthcare partners who ensured it did,” Lewis said.
Dr. Justice Amissah-Arthur, chief of staff with Eastern Health, said it is important that physicians are able to use the most up-to-date equipment and technology when delivering care to patients.
“Through a collaborative relationship with specialists in cancer care in St. John’s our local family physicians are supported in the ongoing provision of chemotherapy and other related treatments,” he said.
“This service is enhanced with availability of technology that allows the patient to be followed closely by a specialist without having to endure the additional costs and hardships of travelling to the city to receive care. The demand for these services is ever-increasing and knowing we are now better able to respond to our patients’ needs is very satisfying.”
Newfoundland Power president and CEO Jocelyn Perry was also on hand for the celebration and said the company was thrilled to be part of the project.
“It is very rewarding to see the difference we all can make when we work together,” she said.
“We are so proud of our Burin-area employees who are relentless in their fundraising efforts for cancer care – this donation is truly a direct result of their hard work and dedication. Through our corporate charity, the Power of Life Project, we have contributed to enhancing the chemotherapy unit in Burin for over a decade.”
