Updated: Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Fraser Valley Centre is adjacent to the Surrey Memorial Hospital. As such we are able to use many of the services available at the hospital. You will likely find yourself in the hospital for a number of reasons, and if it helps, a Volunteer will assist you to find where you’re going. Doors on the southern side of the Fraser Valley Centre lobby lead directly into Surrey Memorial Hospital. The following services are available at the Fraser Valley Centre or Surrey Memorial Hospital (indicated with SMH in brackets after the service):
Ambulatory Day Care (SMH)
Certain procedures, such as blood transfusions, PICC line insertions and certain drug infusions are carried out at Ambulatory Day Care, located next to the hospital’s main lobby.
Cancer Information Centre (CIC)
Located on Level 1 in the Fraser Valley Centre, the CIC offers a wide range of material (books, audio tapes, videos) that can be borrowed. A Volunteer will help you sign out the material.
Cafeteria/ Coffee Shop (SMH)
The hospital cafeteria is on your left after you go through the doors from the main centre lobby to the hospital. Alternatively, you can get a wide variety of coffees, as well as snacks and sandwiches, at "Java Express" in the hospital lobby.There is also a small coffee shop on the first floor of the hospital South East wing.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment that involves use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer. As a result, chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment.
Diagnostic Imaging (SMH)
If you need an X-ray, CT Scan, or other similar test, you will be asked to visit the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging department. To reach this, go down the stairs from the hospital’s main lobby.
In-hospital Care (SMH)
At some point in your treatment, you may need to be in hospital. You may need special chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and have to stay in hospital. In these cases, you will be admitted to a special unit for cancer patients at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Your oncologist will remain involved with your care while you are in hospital.
To reach the 5th floor hospital unit where care will be provided (N51), take the elevators which are to the right of the Information Desk in the hospital’s main lobby.
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Interpreters (SMH)
Interpreter services can be arranged for patients who have difficulty speaking English. It is important for patients to understand what happens and what is said during their visits. We encourage you to bring someone who you trust to help you communicate your needs. If this is not possible, please let the bookings clerk know that you need help, and they will arrange this for you. Our Centre Library also has materials available in other languages that help patients for whom English is a second language to better understand their cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Laboratory (SMH)
Lab tests are common for most cancer patients, so you will likely visit the lab at the hospital on a regular basis. Turn right as you exit the centre and you will find the lab entrance along the hallway leading to the hospital lobby.
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic (LABC)
The LABC cares for patients who have locally advanced breast cancer and have been referred by Family Practitioners and General Surgeons from the Fraser Health region. Patients may be referred to care from the time of first discovery of a large abnormality in the breast by a clinical examination. This clinic provides multi-disciplinary care by a team that includes Medical and Radiation Oncologists, General Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons and a Nurse Navigator/Coordinator. This service ensures that patients receive care in an expedited manner. Patients and their families will be supported throughout their care from first visit when they are assessed and have their core biopsy, through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and reconstruction (if desired). For more information, contact the Breast Cancer Care Coordinator at 604-707-5900 x 4956 or csherrif@bccancer.bc.ca or refer to the LABC Referral criteria.
Nuclear Medicine (SMH)
This service provides tests for physicians to "see" parts of a patient’s body. The Surrey Memorial Hospital Nuclear Medicine department is located off the hospital’s main lobby to the right of reception.
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Nutrition Counselling
Please refer to the Nutrition section for full information.
Patient and Family Counselling
Please refer to the section on Support Groups and Education for a list of programs offered by Patient & Family Counselling.
Palliative Care/ Hospice Support
Palliative care teams and hospice support are available throughout the Fraser Valley. Information on these programs is available by contacting Patient and Family Counselling Services at the centre at 604.930.4000.
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Pharmacy
The Fraser Valley Centre Pharmacy is located on the main floor of the centre, adjacent to the Chemotherapy Room.
The Pharmacy will provide you, free of charge, with many of the cancer treatment drugs prescribed for your treatment. They will prepare the drugs which are administered while you are at the Centre, and will provide you with some of the drugs which you will take at home. Drugs not provided free at the Centre may be purchased at a retail pharmacy. You will be provided with written instructions for taking your medication. Our pharmacists are always very happy to discuss any questions about your prescriptions. Just drop by the Pharmacy on the Centre’s main floor.
If you are concerned about the costs of prescriptions, call the Patient Rehabilitation department at 604.930.4000.
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Radiation Therapy
Please refer to the Radiation Therapy section for full information.
Support Groups and Education
Please refer to the Support Programs section.
Volunteer Driver Program
The Canadian Cancer Society manages a Volunteer Driver program for patients who do not have access to transportation. Please consult their Support/ Services for the Fraser Valley to book your ride.
Wigs and Head Coverings
Donated wigs and headcoverings are available at the "Wig Station" located on Level-1 by the elevators.
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