Dear Editor:
Today I received a lengthy questionnaire from North Wellington Health Care. Because my Nov. 2, 2021 visit was only overnight, I felt my answers would be of little consequence. I should also add that I felt it was a waste of time and money. That said, I decided I would forward a huge compliment to the powers that be who were instrumental in getting the chemo unit here in our newly renovated hospital.
This being my first encounter with the battle against cancer, I had no idea what would be involved other that being hooked up to a toxic chemical, possibly at Grand River in Kitchener. What a wonderful surprise it was to be able to receive the care that I am privy to at our own hospital. While hooked up for four hours one gets a pretty good view of what goes on in a chemo unit.
Five people in various stages of cancer are attended to with care and compassion. Warm blankets wrapped around arms coax reluctant veins to the surface, you hear kind encouragement on the phone to someone who is struggling with their chemo at home. Buzzers ring signalling a bag that needs changing or a line that needs a bubble cleared.
Someone who is nauseous needs attention or someone who is having a bad day is comforted, often with gentle humour. Someone has a reaction to the chemo and in between, everything is wiped down and sterilized to get ready for more cancer weary patients, many of whom come from our neighbouring communities. The care is superb.
Congratulations to whoever had the foresight to get this up and running. It certainly is an asset and draw to our town. Well done.
Donna Shaw,
Mount Forest