It would be difficult to envision an oncology unit at any hospital as more competent or empathetic toward its patients than we have right here in Squamish.
Add to that the supporting laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, ultrasound, and trauma facilities, and our hospital is indeed a gem for cancer patients.
The most immediate limitation at present appears to be understaffing; note the recent limits on lab services over the holiday weekend.
A typical visit of outpatients to oncology includes consultations with non-oncologist physicians well versed in oncology treatments either in advance of an appointment or during a visit for assessments of reaction to medications, progress of treatment plans, and general health of patients.
These doctors serve as intermediaries between the oncologists who prescribe and the nurses who administer.
The nurses are the heart of the unit, and it would be hard to overstate the care with which they observe protocols in administering medications and, as well, for the morale-boosting manner in which they interact with those under their care.
It is a small unit for which there can be waiting periods for admission as a patient.
Perhaps, in part, because of its size, patients and nurses develop a bond that adds a measure of comfort. However, my sense is that the present culture is embedded and would extend to a larger unit should that evolve. I would be remiss if I failed to also note the kindness of volunteers who regularly stop in to offer refreshments.
I am not a pitchman for the foundations and other agencies that provide funding for meeting the hospital’s financial needs. Yet, it should be obvious to all residents of Squamish that we are rapidly outgrowing the capacity of our hospital to meet our needs. My understanding is that there are expansion plans in play that may depend on further fundraising. You will see throughout the hospital corridors placards describing facilities that donations at varying levels would provide.
