Enhanced services for the wellness of cancer patients

Moncton, August 17, 2016. - Cancer patients of the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre can now benefit from services that contribute to improving their wellness during and after treatments.  The Oncology Centre is now housing a brand new “Wigs and Hair Alternatives Salon.” 

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2015, nearly 5,100 new cancer cases were diagnosed in New Brunswick. Cancer patients and their loved ones must face many challenges, including some that are related to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as hair loss.  Some patients choose to use accessories such as wigs, hats and scarves to cover up this problem, which can have emotional and social repercussions. 

For several years, the Volunteers' Association of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre had a dream of having a wigs salon for cancer patients who have lost their hair.  According to Association Chair Gloria Gravel, this dream has now come true.  “Thanks to the perseverance of our volunteers, we have managed to reorganize the premises and make them more attractive, roomy and confidential for patients,” she said.   “We offer a free wig to women with cancer who have lost their hair. It is an important service that greatly contributes to improving the wellness of women fighting cancer,” stated Ms. Gravel. 

This $10,000 project could not have come into being without the contribution of a number of community partners.   “Many suppliers and businesses made donations or gave us discounts, thus allowing the Volunteers’ Association to bring this project to a successful conclusion,” said Ms. Gravel.   “We wish to thank them very much for their collaboration in this project. Together we can really make a difference in the lives of patients of the Oncology Centre.”  

Vitalité Health Network’s President and Chief Executive Officer Gilles Lanteigne, who was present, took the opportunity to visit the premises.  “I wish to congratulate the instigators of this wonderful project,” he said.  “Thank you to all partners who took part in this initiative.  It clearly shows the importance of working together for the advancement of health care in our province.”   

The Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre is a tertiary centre specializing in cancer treatment and offering comprehensive radiation therapy, medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, and brachytherapy services to the entire population of New Brunswick.  Each year, the Oncology Centre treats approximately 1,700 new cancer patients and receives over 60,000 visits, making it one of the busiest centres in Atlantic Canada.  The Oncology Centre also has an accommodation centre, the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge, equipped to welcome up to 85 patients from outside the Moncton area.

Pictured, from left to right : Charles Allain, Volunteer Services Coordinator for Beauséjour Zone;  Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network; Gloria Gravel, Chair of the Volunteers’ Association of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre; Johanne Roy, Vice-president – Clinical Services.