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New Chemotherapy Clinic Opens At WGH

Local cancer patients will no longer have to experience long travels times and tiring days to receive treatments in London. The Woodstock General Hospital cut the ribbon to officially open the New Chemotherapy Clinic Wednesday morning. This is a satellite program in conjunction with the London Regional Cancer Program at the London Health Sciences Centre. Hospital CEO, Natasa Veljovic says the changes from the former clinic to their current location are immeasurable, "we started 15 years ago in a very small chemotherapy partnership but we only had half a room and one chair to devote to it. So it never really expanded to its full capacity. But now with the much more sophisticated treatment we can offer here, it has really taken on a life of its own. It's an example of what can be done and it will serve to be a model for London and Cancer Care Ontario in the province as well". Veljovic says once the new clinic is completely operational, they will see an increased number of cases from 75 per annum to 270. Cancer patients Dawn Alexander and Ruth Baker were on hand for today's ceremonies as both women are being treated for breast cancer. The two ladies were being treated in London before coming to Woodstock and say the facility has many benefits to offer, including the elimination of travel times and expenses. With the new location, it is expected to collectively save over 250,000 km in travel expenses and over 3,600 hours in travel time. Neil Johnson, Regional Vice President of South West Regional Cancer Program for Cancer Care Ontario pointed out that the expansion of care in smaller communities like Woodstock will help meet overflow demand from other areas, which in turn will reduce wait times for patients.

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