Dollars in Action

None of the items listed below qualified for government funding, but were purchased through donations and events in our community.

nurses

Thank you.

 

 

 

“The efforts of the Foundation have been overwhelming when it comes to improving patient care.  From comforting esthetics to cancer prevention and education, to advanced technology and equipment, the Foundation has always been there when we have needed them and we are extremely grateful for their contributions.” said Lynn Chappell, Interim Vice President of Cancer Services. 

 Debbie Sutton, RN and Dennis Solet, patient/fundraiser   

 

dennischair

In the spring of 2009 the Foundation approved funding for a number of different projects and equipment including new chemotherapy chairs that offer patients a more relaxing and comfortable experience during the sometimes-lengthy treatments.  The chairs, which each cost $2,800, are ergonomically sound and provide heat and massage.   

Since the spring of 2009 the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation has helped provide the Cancer Centre with:

  1. (7) new blood pressure machines
  2. An interactive video tour for new patients
  3. A sound system for fundraising events
  4. (15) IV pumps for administering chemotherapy at a cost of $8,400 each
  5. (14) new chemo chairs

“The triple lumen pumps are safer and cost effective by allowing up to 3 different infusions to infuse within the same pump, significantly reducing risk for medication error,” explained Marie Lachapelle, Manager of Outpatient Clinics.  "They are light weight making it easier for patients to move around while they receive treatment and they also create more space at the patient’s chair or bedside, allowing more room for visitors."

This year, for the first time, the Foundation also provided sponsorship for the Cancer Talk – Prostate Community Forum where local experts discussed what’s new and exciting in prostate cancer treatment, as well as cancer prevention and screening.  Close to 500 men and women attended the event.

“It is incredible to receive this new funding for cancer prevention and education,” said Nicole Robinson, Cancer Prevention and Patient Education Coordinator.  “Approximately 50% of cancer can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle and getting screened.  The Cancer Centre Foundation has played a key role in helping to spread the important messages to the community about preventing cancer, before it starts.”

The following list of items have been fully or partially funded by the Foundation:

Equipment     

  • Technology and equipment for diagnosis and treatment (e.g. ultrasound, CT)
  • MRI scanner – first in the province to be located in a cancer centre with a priority for cancer 
  • Prostate Brachytherapy equipment and training for staff        
  • Radiation therapy equipment and upgrades
  • Special air mattresses to prevent pressure sores
  • Head and neck fiberoptic scope
  • Portable work station
  • (15) Chemotherapy IV pumps
  • (7) Blood pressure machines
  • Rhinolaryngoscope
  • Blanket warmers
  • Stretcher mattresses
  • Crash cart
  • Staff training and education for various areas
  • Computers for research projects
  • Rhinolaryngoscope (2 required - total $42,915)
    Digital cameras and USB storage device for digital pictures and video. This equipment is primarily used to monitor patient disease progression and/or treatment through digital pictures and video. It also allows for quality assurance monitoring and tracking and provides a research potential.
  • Wingboard - CT Compatible ($4,497) 
    Four identical wingboards are used for immobilizing patients during radiation treatments for cancers in the thorax and abdomen. The boards are both CT sim and MRI compatable so they can be used for all treatment units.
  • Chemotherapy Chairs ($28,053)
    Fourteen chairs with massage and heat features provide patients with a more relaxed and comfortable experience during their sometimes-lenghty treatments.
  • Prone Cranial Spinal Axis Kit, Tilt Base and Indexing Bars ($4,497)
    This equipment improves the immobilizing of patients receiving radiation treatment to the brain and spinal column. This prone head provides the materials and equipment to form a customized face and head aquacast which provides for improved immobilization and ensures accurate reproducibility on a daily basis during the patient's treatment. 

Building enhancements and patient support:

  • Patient Assistance Fund
  • Learning Resource Centre, including furniture, equipment and resource materials
  • Patient pager system
  • (40) space patient parking lot
  • Outdoor garden and water garden
  • Televisions and cable for waiting areas
  • Piano in lobby
  • Donor boards and artwork throughout the Centre
  • Water stations and ice machines
  • DVD players, magazine subscriptions