Surrey gets new $1.4M chemo treatment chairs, cancer centre

Surrey is getting six new chemotherapy treatment chairs as service is expanded at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

The total number of chairs will now be 39, with additional staffing for 420 extra treatments each month.

B.C. Cancer says more than 10,000 people in Surrey are diagnosed with cancer each year in Surrey, and the local chemotherapy suite is the second-busiest in B.C.

The cost for these new chairs and staffing is $1.4 million, funded through donations.

Along with these new treatment chairs, Surrey is getting a new cancer centre, integrated with the new hospital being built in Cloverdale.

The new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre recently reached a construction milestone with the first Level 5 concrete pouring, bringing it halfway to full height and on track for a 2030 opening.

The new BC Cancer centre, Surrey’s second cancer centre, will complement the services provided at the new hospital and will include radiation and systemic treatment, molecular imaging and therapy, supportive care, research, education, and innovative technologies such as virtual health.

Once open, the centre is expected to support the needs of the growing community with 105,000 ambulatory oncology care visits, 50,000 radiation therapy visits and 22,000 chemotherapy visits each year.

“Reaching the halfway mark is an exciting and meaningful milestone for cancer care in our region,” said Dr. Paris Ingledew, executive vice president and chief medical officer, BC Cancer. “This second BC Cancer centre in Surrey will expand access to compassionate, high-quality care, providing patients and their families with the support they need throughout every step of their cancer journey.” ​

“Achieving Level 5 is a significant milestone for the project,” said Cherie Taylor, executive director, Clinical Operations and Capital Redevelopment, BC Cancer. “This progress moves us closer to opening a new hospital and cancer centre that will improve access to health and cancer services for people in Surrey and surrounding communities.”

The BC Cancer Foundation is fundraising $30 million to bring cutting‑edge technology, equipment and research to the new centre, helping drive progress and ensure patients receive the most advanced care close to home. 

The new BC Cancer centre is a part of BC.s 10-year cancer action plan, which outlines immediate steps to prevent, detect and treat cancers, delivering improved care for people facing cancer now while preparing for the growing needs of the future.