Replacement plans unveiled for Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge

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A new home-away-from-home facility in Saskatoon for cancer patients is one step closer to reality.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and the provincial government on Tuesday unveiled plans to move ahead to the design phase of a new building for the Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge.

The new facility will be built at 1036 College Drive — the lot on which the current patient lodge sits, and across the road from the Saskatoon Cancer Centre at Royal University Hospital.

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“Patient care, comfort and safety are top priorities for the Cancer Agency,” Saskatchewan Cancer Agency president and CEO Deb Bulych said on Tuesday.

“A new, expanded patient lodge will give out-of-town patients a comfortable, convenient and cost-effective place to stay, instead of having to travel long distances to receive important, life-saving treatments.”

The province says facilities such as the patient lodge provide a comfortable setting similar to home for patients undergoing treatments at nearby health-care facilities. Daily rates are much lower than hotels, and a variety of amenities are included during each stay.

“We are taking a key step forward to enhance patient-centred care and support services for cancer patients in the province,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said.

“Future plans will focus on developing a new, modern facility, that reinforces the government’s commitment to improve quality of life for cancer patients by offering a supportive environment where they can focus on healing.”

According to the province and the Cancer Agency, early designs of the new facility include 33 private patient rooms with 14 companion rooms; a kitchen that can ensure proper nutrition for patients; lounge areas for patients and companions; common spaces for TV, games and puzzles; and an exercise room.

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Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan CEO Nora Yeates said her organization is “committed to the goal of raising $10 million for this important project,” adding that she is “confident that Saskatchewan donors will respond generously” to help ensure the rebuilt lodge will provide a setting that’s vital to cancer patients travelling to receive treatment at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

By building the new facility on the existing site, there will be no need for rezoning permits and other costs that come with a new site selection, the province noted.

“We are excited to be moving forward with the rebuilding of the Cancer Patient Lodge in Saskatoon,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Terry Jenson said. “With this new building, we are ensuring that patients and caregivers dealing with the realities of cancer treatment will have access to an innovative, convenient and accessible health care facility best equipped to serve them.”

According to the province, a needs assessment determined that the current building — constructed in 1924 — is at the end of its useful expectancy and requires either substantial repairs or replacement.

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Early last year, Group2 Architecture Interior Design was selected through a request for proposals (RFP) to provide project management and advisory services prior to the design phase. With a conceptual model approved, formal design work is expected to begin, the province said.

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