Cancer patients in the Napanee area are set to receive chemotherapy and other supportive treatments closer to home thanks to a new Satellite Systemic Therapy Clinic at Lennox & Addington County General Hospital (LACGH).

The newly designed and constructed space opens October 9 and features three treatment chairs in a spacious and quiet enviroment alongside a new clinic pharmacy and a “comfort station kitchenette” for patients and families.

The project is a partnership between LACGH and the South East Regional Cancer Program (SERCP), which aims to make timely, appropriate cancer care accessible to all patients in the region, no matter where they live. Currently, the majority of patients in south east Ontario receive their chemotherapy treatment at Kingston General Hospital.

“There are many benefits of bringing chemotherapy treatment closer to home,” says Tracy Kent-Hillis, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Patient Care at LACGH. “Treatment can go on for weeks, so travel to care can be a real disruption and add another level of stress for patients and families. The new Satellite Systemic Therapy Clinic at LACGH provides patients with expert treatment closer to home, where they have the support of family and friends.”

Brenda Carter, Regional Vice-President for SERCP, says the new clinic is a demonstration of regional partners working together as a team to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right location. “The opening of this clinic at LACGH is one of many initiatives to improve cancer services in our region. If we can find ways to help patients along their cancer journey it benefits everyone.”

The South East Regional Cancer Program (SERCP) promotes seamless, high-quality, patient and family-centred cancer care for the residents of southeastern Ontario. This region is home to nearly 500,000 people and stretches from Trenton to Prescott and north to Bancroft. Affiliated with Cancer Care Ontario, SERCP strives for cancer risk reduction, early detection, excellentpatient experiences and better patient outcomes by helping facilitate the high-quality delivery of cancer services in the South East region, while ensuring cancer care is delivered according to province-wide standards. The Lennox and Addington County General Hospital's emphasis on General Medicine and General Surgery reflects its role in providing core services. The hospital currently operates 52 beds (24 active care, 2 Surgical, 4 Special Care and 22 Complex Continuing Care). The recent redevelopment project included a new Complex Continuing Care unit, and operating rooms as well as major expansions to the ambulatory clinic areas, Emergency department and Diagnostic Imaging upgrades. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services supported by a well-equipped laboratory and diagnostic imaging department. The Hospital employs over 200 staff.