Cancer patient Joseph Van Burskirk says living within walking distance of the New Glasgow hospital where he gets his treatment has made his experience a positive one.
“Just the walking, the ability to be where you understand people, they know you, it’s just much, much more comfortable for the patient,” he said.
The 64-year-old is one of 30 cancer patients who currently receive treatment at the satellite oncology centre in Pictou County.
According to the results of a patient satisfaction survey released yesterday, he is not alone in his praise for satellite facilities. The Cancer Care Nova Scotia data shows 100 per cent of respondents who visited the centres described the care they received as excellent, very good or good.
When asked how cancer care could be improved, Van Burskirk said satellite programs should be expanded.
“It would reduce a lot of the anxiety that I see in people I take treatment with,” he said.
Health minister Chris d’Entremont said the success of satellite sites prompted his request for “more dollars” to increase the hours and number of physicians who service them.
“I look forward to the budget as it comes along to see if I get what I asked for,” he said, although he would not specify the amount.
