For Immediate Release
Monday, Sept. 22, 2014

Health Foundation improves comfort for patients of Cancer Clinic through Total E&P Canada Ltd. gift

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Northern Lights Health Foundation is pleased to announce the installation of two new heated massage chairs for patients of the Community Cancer Clinic of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. These chairs were funded by the Health Foundation through a generous gift of $8,000 from Total E&P Canada Ltd. The Health Foundation will host a presentation to formally announce the arrival of the chairs on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. 

 
The Community Cancer Clinic provides chemotherapy treatments to local patients diagnosed with cancer. Patients frequently face significant issues in regulating their body temperature and often struggle to stay warm while receiving treatment. Patients are provided with blankets, but they don’t provide the warmth a patient needs. Comfortable chairs play a large role in caring for patients and while the Clinic’s previous chairs reclined, they didn’t provide any further comforts. The new heated massage chairs will help patients be much more comfortable and relaxed in their surroundings. 

“The Health Foundation is thrilled to be receiving this generous gift for the Community Cancer Clinic from Total. Their contribution will provide much-needed comfort for those receiving chemotherapy treatments at the Health Centre,” says Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Health Foundation. “Total has been a dedicated supporter of health care in our region over the last number of years and this gift will truly make an impact on many of those that need health care support the most.”

The Community Cancer Clinic serves approximately 96 to 100 patients annually and receives 70 to 80 new patients per year. Patients often have several appointments, with each chemotherapy treatment taking several hours. During these appointments, health care providers encourage patients to become comfortable in their space, providing them with blankets, books and iPads to increase their comfort during their stay. 

“The work of the Northern Lights Health Foundation is so critical for our community and we commend them on their commitment to patients’ needs and creating world-class health care facilities for the people of Wood Buffalo,” said Linda Bucke, Community Engagement Manager of Total E&P Canada. “We’re pleased to be able to fund these chairs for the Community Cancer Clinic, which will have a direct impact on improving patients’ experience.”

Total E&P Canada is a Calgary-based energy company focused on oil and gas exploration and production in the Athabasca Oil Sands region of Alberta. Their Community Investment Program supports many social profits whose services are provided in locations in which they operate or which have a connection with their multinational operations. Total is a significant supporter of health and wellness in Wood Buffalo, having generously contributed over $133,000 to the Health Foundation since 2009. 

About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. For more information, visit www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca

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For more information, please contact:
Amelia Schofield
Stakeholder Relations Officer
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-788-1324 Email: amelia.schofield@albertahealthservices.ca