Bonnyville Oilmen’s provides added comfort for cancer patients

Members of the Bonnyville Oilmen’s Society pose with the Chemo Chair donated to the Bonnyville Health Care Centre’s cancer unit.

Cancer patients treated in Bonnyville can look forward to a little more comfortable experience at the health care centre.

The Bonnyville Oilmen’s Society donated a Chemo Chair to the Bonnyville Health Care Centre’s cancer unit.

Since patients sit anywhere from 4-8 hours a day during chemotherapy treatment, the chair is meant to give patients a better environment.

“It’s very important. We focus on patient-centered care. We want the patient to be comfortable and have the best experience as possible,” said nurse Kelly Haygarth.

“They spend a lot of time in this chair. Lots of time they’ll come at 8 in the morning and are here until 4 in the afternoon or later. This chair provides heat and massage, so it really helps, especially with some medications that cause some sensitivity to cold.”

The chair is easy to maneuver, reclines, allows patients to lay back and lift up your feet and includes heat and massage features.

Oilman Bob Hunter said the idea came after seeing what patients, like his wife, had to sit through during treatment.

“Her first chemo was at the Cross [Cancer Institute] and she had the luxury of a chair, something similar to this.

“When we got here, they plunked her in a chair that I think came over with Noah and I said this is not right, we have to do something. I approached the members and there was no hesitation. Go and buy it,” said Hunter.

The chair cost $5700 and is only one of many donations the Bonnyville Oilmen’s Society has put together over the years thanks to their fundraising events.

“We have a group of about 35 guys. We have meetings about once a month and we get fundraisers, about four a year…and with all the money we receive to them we give it back to the community as needed,” said President Wayne Turzanski.

The Bonnyville Oilmen’s Lobsterfest is today.