November 7, 2024
The Fondation Santé Rouyn-Noranda (FSRN), the Quebec Cancer Foundation and the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue are proud to announce a major alliance to add a new Lodge service as well as a support and companionship service to the Centre régional de radio-oncologie de Rouyn-Noranda (regional radiation oncology center), and this as of the summer of 2025. The three healthcare organizations have common objectives, namely to lighten the burden that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, enhance the quality of life of people with cancer and their loved ones, and improve access to cancer care and services in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
Access to treatments in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Cancer treatments constitute an additional stress to residents of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and James Bay, as well as the Cree, who must often travel vast distances while dealing with problems regarding lodging, transportation, a drop in income, and being far from their loved ones, all while coping with significant health issues. Several years – and discussions – later, given this reality, the joint project will finally come to fruition in 2025.
Since 2022, the Centre régional de radio-oncologie du CISSS de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue has enabled greater access to care for the region’s residents while also limiting the need to travel to major centers, which could represent over 500 km when multiple treatments are necessary. This service offer also resulted in fewer people refusing treatment purely due to the logistical nightmare of having to travel to Gatineau or Montreal.
“Thanks to this partnership, an essential step has been taken: the addition of a lodging service associated with the regional radiation oncology service, unique in the province due to its being located so far from major urban centers, will allow people with cancer and their loved ones to benefit from a welcoming and safe environment, close to their home. The CISSS de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue is thrilled to cooperate with committed partners to improve regional access to care and services for the area’s population,” stated Caroline Roy, Chief Executive Officer of the CISSS de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
One project, coordinated by the Fondation Santé de Rouyn-Noranda
With its major $10 million campaign, the Fondation Santé Rouyn-Noranda purchased a facility that will offer lodging and support to people undergoing therapy at the regional radiation oncology center and their companions.
“This project’s coming to life is directly tied to our main mission, namely to make the best care and services available in the region, to people from the region. This project is by far the most transformational in terms of healthcare in the region, and we are proud to be involved and to facilitate its implementation thanks to the Quebec Cancer Foundation and Mission Tournesol, Au sein des femmes, Maison de l’envol and regional hospital foundations. We are presently $3 million away from the goal of the Soignés chez nous campaign. Our efforts are ongoing and our support, from here on in, will be decisive,” specified Stéphanie Thuot, Executive Director of the Fondation Santé Rouyn-Noranda.
The Quebec Cancer Foundation: a partner with considerable expertise
The addition of a Lodge with 10 rooms and 20 beds to the radiation oncology regional center will allow Quebecers with cancer and their loved ones who live in remote regions and must undergo oncology treatments at the Rouyn-Noranda hospital to have access to accessible, comfortable, peaceful and affordable lodgings, all hassle-free. The new Lodge and support center, with its operations overseen by the Quebec Cancer Foundation, the Fondation Santé Rouyn-Noranda, and regional partner organizations, will help meet the region’s pressing needs in this regard. Residents of Abitibi-Témiscamingue with cancer and their loved ones will also be able to enjoy various complementary therapies and a wide range of services offered free of charge or at a reduced cost, such as massage therapy, kinesiology, art therapy, psychological support, etc.
“Our objective, after all, is to help as many Quebecers as possible by working directly with people who are suffering and enhancing the services offered whenever necessary. It’s also to bring services and support to communities who are poorly served, while also collaborating closely with workers in the health sector,” underscored Marco Décelles, General Manager, Quebec Cancer Foundation.
