Vidant RCH to open cancer care center
Published 9:10 am Thursday, June 19, 2014
By Lisa Newsome
AHOSKIE – Cancer….the very word can strike fear at a deep and personal level.
In the Roanoke-Chowan area, it’s a diagnosis that is uttered all too often. In fact, death from cancer in the eastern region of North Carolina occurs more frequently than the rest of the state.
The Ahoskie Woman’s Club is one of the first organizations to present a donation to the hospital for the new Cancer Care Center. Current AWC President Katherine Allen (left) joins with incoming President Joan Davidson (second from right) to deliver a check to Vidant RCH President Sue Lassiter (second from left) and Sandra Woodard, the hospital’s Director of Development. Contributed Photo
For this reason, Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital is embarking on a major renovation project that will give patients access to the best experience and outcomes for their cancer care. Right here in Ahoskie.
“We are renovating space on the first floor of our hospital for a new cancer center that will provide advanced treatment and support by a caring team of providers,” states Sue Lassiter, president of the hospital. “Led by our team of board-certified hematologists and oncologists, certified oncology nurses and a social worker/patient navigator, cancer care in our region is about to take a major leap forward.”
The center, which is designed with input from patient and family advisors, is spacious enough to accommodate more patients, which will mean shorter wait times for treatment, according to Lassiter. Four new treatment and exam rooms are designed to enhance efficiency. This means treatment can begin sooner once a diagnosis is made.
Comfort for patients and their families is a central theme of the new center. It will include six new comfortable recliners and an entertainment system that will overlook a scenic garden area now being planned by members of the Ahoskie Garden Club. Patients can enjoy therapeutic activities (such as art, music, and crafts); as well as support services designed to make their experience easier and more pleasant.
“We recognized the critical need for this healing environment so the Directors’ Council of our hospital established an ambitious fundraising goal of $250,000,” says Lassiter. “Gifts from area local donors and business/industry have been received. We are asking our community members to consider financial donations to supplement capital funds the hospital has set aside to make this project a reality.”
There are recognition opportunities in memory or honor of a loved one with cancer. These include exam rooms, refrigerator, laptop computers, chemo chairs and nursing station, giving donors a variety of options to consider.
The community will be invited to a grand opening and dedication ceremony later in the summer. Speakers are available to speak to clubs, churches, and organizations about the new center and giving opportunities.
For more information about the new cancer care center, call Dee Dee Morris, RN, nurse manager of cancer care services, at 209-3480. To discuss giving options, call Sandra Woodard, director of development, at 252-209-3067.
