MONCTON – The number of patients seeking cancer treatments at the Moncton Hospital is up 13 per cent in the past year leaving the hospital’s current oncology centre struggling to keep up.
It’s lead to longer wait times and has limited treatment options for patients with some forms of the disease.
But a new oncology clinic is nearing completion at the hospital and health officials say it will improve patient care.
“I think the biggest restriction we have right now is space,” said Dr. Michael LeBlanc, Clinical Pharmacy Manager at the Moncton Hospital.
LeBlanc says the hospital’s current clinic is overcrowded. In the past year, 13,000 cancer patients sought treatment at the hospital, an increase of 1,200 patients from the year prior.
It’s meant patients wait long hours for treatment and space is so limited, family members are not allowed to join loved ones during ongoing treatment.
But the 17,000 square foot space will better accommodate patient’s needs, says Oncology Nurse Manager, Pauline Carruthers.
“So they can bring their loved ones there and they will have more room and privacy for counseling and talking to the nurse or pharmacist,” she said.
The $9.2-million facility will also house an extra nine treatment chairs. The new oncology clinic will open to patients this fall.
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