Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) Oncology Program is receiving a welcome upgrade to its physical space that will introduce an Omnicell machine (electronic medication dispenser) to the department to improve safety for the unit’s patients.
In partnership with the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, the Oncology Program will be making significant changes to improve medication dispensing safety and workflow design.
Due to the renovations, the unit will temporarily relocate to the Dr. Don Patterson Student Learning Centre at the Chatham Site located in Zone A, Level 0 as of April 1, 2019.
All current and new patients have been notified of the temporary move and directional signage will be available throughout the hospital to guide patients and families to the temporary unit.
While the temporary move is in process, a very brief interruption may occur to the unit’s phone lines on Friday, March 29.
During renovations, the Learning Centre will remain closed to students and open only for the purposes of the Oncology Department.
In the evening, it will be locked and only those who have been authorized access to the Resident Physician room will continue to have access.
Renovations will include creating more space for the new Omnicell and improving workflow design to make the patient experience inviting and safe.
While the department temporarily relocates from its current space, CKHA is taking the opportunity to make additional improvements to area including: the replacement of millwork in the chemo room with improved materials for infection control, an additional hand-washing station, a dedicated medication area with work surface adjacent to the Omnicell, a new resource and waiting area that families can visit while their loved ones are receiving treatment, expanded entry to chemo room for openness and visibility, relocation of reception staff to entry of unit to greet patients, and following feedback from staff and administration, an alternate exit will be constructed.
The renovations are expected to be complete in late May 2019. For additional information, including directions and maps, please visit: http://www.ckha.on.ca/oncology
For questions or concerns, patients and families are asked to contact Kim Smith, Clinical Manager, Oncology Program at 519.354.6400 x 6405.
