Just over three years ago, on January 14 th , 2021, the Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH)
Foundation launched its $3.5 million dollar Cancer Care Campaign in order to fund the expansion,
upgrade and overall improvement of the hospital’s Chemotherapy and Medical Day Care unit –
specifically the waiting and treatment areas, along with the Pharmacy where chemotherapy
medication is prepared.
“With the help of many of you in the community holding events of your own and participating in
Foundation fundraisers such as the Auto Lotto for Health Care, the Heroes Run for Healthcare,
our Catch the Ace progressive lottery, our annual Black & White Gala, along with the many
generous donations received, you have raised an incredible $3.5 million dollars for local cancer
care,” said PRH Foundation Executive Director Roger Martin.
Mr. Martin said he’s humbled once again by how our community rallied together to help close the
campaign and ensure the Pembroke Regional Hospital has all that it needs to provide the region
with top-notch care when it’s needed. He said he looks forward to completing the campaign donor
recognition wall later this year once the renovations are finished.
“It is clear to see from the community donations over the past three years that the Cancer Care
Campaign is close to many people’s hearts, that far too many people are affected by cancer, and
that this campaign was supported so the Hospital can have the most up-to-date equipment to take
care of our family and friends, and keep cancer care close to home!”
Since opening in 2011, the hospital’s Chemotherapy unit has experienced a steady increase in the
number of treatments provided here. From April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 alone, our Pharmacy
team prepared 2,080 chemotherapy treatments and our Chemotherapy unit supported 1,165
patient visits.
The PRH Chemotherapy unit is a satellite of the Ottawa Hospital’s Cancer Program, offering
patients with solid tumors a full scope of service throughout their cancer journey from pre-
treatment teaching, to all affiliated care such as blood transfusions and the insertion of PICC lines,
to follow up education about what comes next.
Facilitated by highly qualified and compassionate staff, having these types of treatments close to
home has enabled areas residents to spend more quality time with their loved ones, making this
Cancer Care Campaign a top priority for everyone in Renfrew County.
Garland Wong, a PRH patient, recently had his own battle with cancer and shared with the
Foundation, "I received my first treatment of chemo at the Pembroke Regional Hospital Chemo
Medical Day Care on April 19th, 2023. I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. This was the
first of many treatments between April and October 2023 (six months). I was lucky that I could
have all my chemo treatments here in Pembroke and not have to drive two hours away to receive
them. The care that I received from the nurses and administration staff was first class. The staff
was very professional and very friendly helping me through this tough ordeal.”
Mr. Wong finished his treatments October 4 th at which time he got to ring the bell signifying their
completion. He said that his friends and family helped him through his recovery along with the
PRH staff who became his family through the experience. “I found out that I'm not invincible and
that anyone can get cancer,” he added, noting that having the treatment available in this facility
means a lot to patients and their families.
PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann recently announced the start of the work in this area
which is scheduled for completion by late fall.
“This renovation project which has been fully funded by local donors will significantly enhance the
patient care experience with the creation of an open-concept Chemotherapy unit, with an
enhanced focus on patient safety and care,” Mrs. Mersmann said.
The expanded unit will feature three additional treatment chairs, two patient washrooms, an
infection control isolation room, a private examination room, a multi-use area where patients can
obtain ice, water and light snacks, and a centralized nursing station.
Mrs. Mersmann added that this phase of the project will also include the creation of an education
space for patients and their families as well as a meeting room and comfortable waiting area for
families who want to accompany their loved ones.
The open-concept design will allow for future growth and provide an enhanced opportunity for
relationships between patients and families to occur.
She noted that everyone involved in the project is not only excited to see the work get underway
but also to see the transformation of the space once it’s complete.
Lisa Edmonds, PRH Foundation Chair, stated that she is in awe of the community and how
residents continue to find a way to give back to our local health care. “My heartfelt gratitude to all
of you for your generous contributions. You have made a tremendous impact. With the help of
gracious donors like you, we are able to enhance our local patient care and keep cancer care
close to home.
Thank you for your donations and for attending our many fundraising events over
the past three years. YOU have made this campaign a successful one for our community and
local cancer patients!”
Donations to the PRH Foundation are welcome at any time by calling (613) 732-2811, extension
7408 or visiting the PRHF website at www.prhfoundation.com/cancercare/.