jasdooit

The Cancer Department at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), which serves around 3,000 new patients annually, has officially launched an improved outpatient chemotherapy area and updated pharmacy services.

As stated by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, this significant initiative aims to reduce congestion, improve patient satisfaction, and guarantee that critical chemotherapy drugs are manufactured securely and effectively.

The R5.2 million initiative was made possible due to the kindness of donors, such as a R1 million donation from Wheel2Heal, along with substantial backing from the Radiation Oncology Facilities Board Fund, the Groote Schuur Trust, government agencies, hospital leadership, staff donations, and community organization collaborators.

The latest facility is not merely an enhanced area, but a symbol of a joint dedication to providing patients with respectful, empathetic, and top-notch care during their most critical times.

This initiative demonstrates the remarkable outcomes that can result from collaboration between the government, civil organizations, funders, and medical experts, all united by a single objective: to provide patients with hope.

I extend my sincere thanks to each partner who has played a role in turning this vision into reality. As a team, we have done more than construct a room – we have established a place of support, warmth, and empathy that will benefit countless patients for many years ahead,” stated Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC.

For individuals such as Duane Minder, the effect of this initiative holds significant personal importance.

Only 36 years old, Minder was found to have stage four lymphoma, with a tumor pressing on his spine and leading to spinal cord compression following years of ongoing back pain.

Nevertheless, thanks to the attention provided by physicians, nurses, and physical therapists, he gradually recovered mobility in his legs.

Now, because of continuous chemotherapy and physical therapy – including home visits from his local physical therapist team – he is able to walk once more.

“The physicians, nurses, and therapists here have restored my life. I am deeply thankful for their treatment and for this new chemotherapy facility, which will help make the process somewhat easier for each patient who arrives here. It demonstrates that we are not by ourselves, and that others truly care about our experiences,” he stated.

In the meantime, Dr. Shaheem de Vries, the chief executive officer of Groote Schuur Hospital, thanked all donors, sponsors, and collaborators who contributed to making the project a reality.

Their kindness enables us to offer secure, respectful, and top-notch care to those who require it the most. Such donations go beyond constructing buildings—they create paths of hope and opportunity for thousands of families in the Western Cape. As a team, we are improving access to medical services.

The government of the Western Cape and the hospital have also expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this achievement.

Copyright 2025 SAnews.gov.za. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media ().

Tagged: South Africa, Health and Medicine, Governance, Southern Africa

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).