BC Cancer – Surrey, located on the unceded, traditional and ancestral shared territories of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ ƛ ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem), Semiahmoo and sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) First Nations, has opened an expanded chemotherapy suite. This significant milestone increases the centre's ability to meet growing patient demand in the Fraser region, helping more people start treatment closer to home.
The expansion included relocation of the outpatient pharmacy to Level 1 allowing for space for an additional six new treatment chairs, bringing the total to 39. This increases systemic therapy capacity by nearly 20 per cent. As a result, the centre can now deliver up to 420 additional treatments each month and help approximately 370 patients begin treatment sooner, easing delays during a very stressful time for patients and families.
“With these new treatment chairs, our dedicated care teams will be able to treat more patients, sooner and closer to home, making a real difference for people and families when it matters most," says Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, chief medical officer and executive vice-president, BC Cancer.
The expanded suite was fully funded by the BC Cancer Foundation, made possible through the generosity of more than 500 donors from Surrey, White Rock and communities across the Fraser region.
“Generous donor investment has strengthened BC Cancer's ability to meet growing demand, ensuring more patients can access life-saving care when and where it's needed," says Sarah Roth, president & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.
Pictured: Inside the relocated outpatient Pharmacy suite at BC Cancer – Surrey.
The Fraser region is BC's fastest-growing area and accounts for one-third of annual cancer diagnoses in the province, with more than 10,000 new cases each year. BC Cancer – Surrey is already the second busiest chemotherapy suite in the province, making this expansion an important step in maintaining timely access to care.
“This expansion reflects the incredible effort, collaboration and commitment shown across our teams at BC Cancer – Surrey," says Susan Schroeder, executive director at BC Cancer – Surrey. “Having more treatment spaces means we can better support new patients and those on active treatment sooner, and ease some of the pressure our staff manage on a daily basis. Thank you to our oncologists, nursing teams, pharmacy team, clerical teams, leaders and everyone who contributed to making this possible."
Alongside the physical expansion, BC Cancer – Surrey's systemic therapy teams have grown to support increased activity and extended hours. This includes additional registered nurses, unit clerks, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, funded through BC's 10-Year Cancer Action Plan. These new roles strengthen day-to-day operations and support high-quality, patient-centred care.
“As cancer care needs continue to grow rapidly in our communities, investments like this are essential to ensuring we can provide timely, high‑quality care for our patients and their families," says Dr. Sylvie Bourque, executive medical director at BC Cancer – Surrey. “We are tremendously grateful to our donors, partners and clinical teams who worked together to make this a reality."
Pictured: Becky Yost, director, development at BC Cancer Foundation, with Dr. Sylvie Bourque, executive medical director and Susan Schroeder, executive director, at the BC Cancer – Surrey chemotherapy suite expansion event.
The BC Cancer Foundation is also fundraising toward a second BC Cancer centre in Surrey, planned to open in 2030. The future centre is expected to significantly expand systemic therapy capacity and strengthen access to advanced treatments and research in the region.
