Groote Schuur Hospital enhances patient care with upgraded chemotherapy facilities

The Oncology Department at Groote Schuur Hospital officially opened a newly upgraded outpatient chemotherapy room and modernised pharmacy facilities on Sunday, September 14.

The project will aim to alleviate overcrowding, enhance patient comfort, and ensure that life-saving chemotherapy medications are prepared safely and efficiently, especially as the hospital’s oncology department sees around 3,000 new patients each year. 

According to provincial health and wellness, this project cost  R5.2 million and was made possible by donors including Wheel2Heal non-profit, support from the Radiation Oncology Facilities Board Fund, the Groote Schuur Trust, government departments, hospital management, staff contributions, and community organisations.

The provincial MEC for Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said: “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when government, civil society, donors, and healthcare professionals work together with one goal in mind, which is to offer patients hope.”

Ms Wenger said she is deeply grateful to every partner who has contributed to making this dream a reality. “Together, we have not just built a room, we have created a space of care, comfort, and compassion that will serve thousands of patients for years to come,” she said.

At the opening event, Patient Duane Minderspoke about the treatment he received when he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma - a tumour pressing against his spine and causing spinal cord compression.

Two years ago, Mr Minder thought his persistent back pain was nothing more than a strained muscle. He lived with the discomfort, often being told it was “just muscular.”

One day, after dropping his keys and jumping a gate to retrieve them, Mr Minder collapsed and was unable to stand or feel his legs. It was then that he was diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Minder was rushed into emergency care at Groote Schuur. He received urgent radiotherapy and was started on chemotherapy almost immediately.

With the help of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, he slowly regained movement in his legs. Thanks to ongoing chemotherapy and physiotherapy support, and even home visits from his local physio team, Mr Minder is walking again.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Minder said, “From day one, the team at Groote Schuur motivated me when I felt like giving up. At my age, you still want to move, to live, to do things for yourself. They made me believe it was possible. This new chemotherapy unit brings space, fresh air, and dignity for patients like me. It makes the journey a little easier.”

CEO of Groote Schuur, Dr Shaheem De Vries, said, “We are grateful to every donor, funder, and partner who made this project possible. Their generosity ensures that we can provide safe, dignified, and high-quality care to patients who need it most.” Dr De Vries said these contributions do not just build facilities, they open doors of hope and possibility for thousands of families across the province. “ Together, we are enhancing access to healthcare,” he said.