The Inpatient Oncology Unit has existed for many years within K-W Health Centre. The unit is now a program of Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (GRRCC).

As a full service cancer centre,  GRRCC serves patients from Waterloo and Wellington Regions, with increasing referrals from Perth and Brant counties.

• GRRCC is the region’s sole provider of radiation treatment.
• GRRCC is a leader in supportive care services, including social work, nutrition counselling, spiritual care, genetic counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and education.
• It is anticipated that by 2010, over 3,000 patients will receive radiation therapy, 1,600 patients will receive chemotherapy and 4,600 patients will receive supportive care each year through Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.

The Current Situation

Located on the 8th Floor of  K-W Health Centre, the Inpatient Oncology Unit is overcrowded, and lacks direct access to GRRCC next door. This results in poor patient flow, inefficiency and added stress for our patients.

It is difficult to manoeuvre beds and equipment in the patient rooms. When the unit is full, oncology patients are placed in other medical units throughout the Hospital. While growing from six beds in 1999 to 22 today, with no increase in floor space, the unit can’t handle the increased patient load from the cancer centre.

The Plan

The Inpatient Oncology Unit will be relocated, completely redeveloped, and then expanded to accommodate 30 patient beds.

• Located in A, B and C wings on K-W Health Centre’s 6th floor, the new unit will offer direct access to GRRCC.
• Each patient room will contain a bathroom and shower, ensuring patient privacy and dignity.
• A nurses’ station will be located on each wing.
• A room will be built for inpatient physiotherapy treatment.
• Negative pressure rooms on “A” wing will protect immune compromised patients.
• A shielded radiation room will offer a private and safe place for brachytherapy patients to recuperate.
• Six beds will be available for patients requiring pain and symptom management.
• The space designated for family members will include three quiet rooms equipped with showers and sleeper chairs. One large family lounge will provide a comfortable, home-like environment for families.

The redeveloped Inpatient Oncology Unit will be an environment that promotes comfort and healing, and enhances our ability to care for those at a critical point in their journey with cancer.