The new chemotherapy unit operated by the Cayman Island Cancer Society at the George Town hospital was officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday (13).

The original unit was housed in a small concrete room with no windows.

The Lighthouse School on Smith Road formerly used the new space at the hospital.

The project encompassed a complete renovation and fit out of 1000 sq ft of the existing building. This project developed by the Cancer Society to serve any patient who desires to receive Chemotherapy treatment in the Cayman Islands.

The unit will now fall under the auspices of the Health Services Authority and will be operated as part of the health care facilities that are available to all visitors and residents of the Cayman Islands.

The Cancer Society raised the money -$750,000 – for the facility from private donations, and the Cayman Islands Hospital donated the space adjacent to its main building. Contributions are acknowledged on the wall of appreciation.

The new Chemotherapy Unit is an expensive project but it’s worth it because it has more than doubled the current Chemo unit’s capacity to provide healing treatment that allows more patients to be treated locally, where they can recuperate surrounded by the comfort of loved ones and home. The unit features four infusion chairs in an open, bright, state-of-the-art space where patients have a view of a beautiful garden to inspire feelings of hope.

From The Cayman Islands Cancer Society

New Chemotherapy Unit’s First Patients

According to Janet, one of the first patients of the new Chemo Unit that has been built and operated by the Cayman Island Cancer Society has provided positive outcome for her. Janet noted that she is extremely positive and appreciative of the convenience and the location of the new Chemotherapy Unit. She has also found   the atmosphere and the décor of the new Chemo Unit to be more welcoming when compared to the previous one at the George Town Hospital.

“Everyone is accommodating” states Janet. “Their hospitality gives you a sense of peace and hope when you are there.” Privacy is what stands out most to Janet. “It’s like sitting in your own living room, enjoying your own space. At the old location I used to run for the little blue chair in the corner so as to maintain my privacy. No one has to be peeping at you anymore and noticing you having treatment in this new, private and beautiful accommodation.”

The decor is perfect, especially the wall portraits and the Chemotherapy Infusion chairs which give a feeling of therapeutic massage and also help you to relax, re-align and rejuvenate says Janet. The beautiful garden which the windows are open to gives me a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Janet commented, “I made sure to arrive early in order to spend extra time in the infusion chair, it’s so cool sitting in it.” She referred to the new Chemotherapy Unit as a big improvement to chemo care in the Cayman Islands. Bravo to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.

I am Bav. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in early 2014. Thanks to the new Chemotherapy unit that was donated to the George Town Hospital by Cayman Islands Cancer Society. As a chemo patient, I am so happy for this new facility. It’s a very beautiful accommodation.   Peace and tranquility is what I fell when I am at the new Chemo Unit.   The enchantment of the décors especially the new chemo infusion chairs are so comfortable and relaxing. Sitting in the chairs make me feel like I am receiving a massage therapy.   Other chemo patients say that they made and effort to be extra early for their appointment in order to spend extra time in the infusion chair.

Cindy and her staff are most welcoming. They even offer us food. They embraced us with love and comfort. Privacy is the order of the day at the new chemo unit. No more do I have to run for the old blue chair in the corner to hide myself from the public eyes. I am now privileged to enjoy the comfort and the warmth of the new chemo facility.

There is a beautiful garden that is at the front of the building which is visible from each infusion chair. This garden adds to the beauty of the new chemo unit. I referred to it as the ‘Garden of Tranquility’. It gives me hope, peace and the strength to overcome this dreaded disease.

Got to http://www.cics.ky/index.php/resources/chemotherapy-unit for more information and where you can download the brochure.

IMAGE: CICS