Local photographer’s work to bring comfort to new cancer centre in Cape Breton  

The new Kyle Anne MacDonald Cancer Centre in Cape Breton will offer more space, comfort and support for patients, families and staff — and it will also feature the work of local award-winning photographer Adam Hill. 
 
Hill’s photography has been thoughtfully selected through a trauma-informed care lens, with the goal of creating an environment that feels welcoming, calming and supportive. 
 
But what does trauma-informed care mean? 
 
“Trauma-informed care is about recognizing that we don't know someone's whole story when they come through our doors,” said Catherine Shepherd, quality improvement and patient safety lead with the Cancer Care Program. 
 
“Cancer itself can be a very vulnerable journey and for some people there may be past or current experiences that influence how they see healthcare. It's about creating an environment where people feel safe, respected and heard and where they have as much choice and control as possible.”

Shepherd began working at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in 2001 as a radiation therapist. Over the years, she has supported hundreds of patients in the community and watched cancer care evolve. Today, her role focuses on continually improving the safety, quality and overall experience of care at the centre. 
 
“There can be so much that feels clinical and unfamiliar when you're going through treatments — machines, appointments, procedures, waiting rooms,” she said. “In the new centre, the murals and artwork that have been thoughtfully chosen to display, I hope they will bring some warmth and humanity into the environment.”

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The murals will feature the work of Hill, whose photography has appeared in books, magazines, on coins, stamps and calendars and has been collected around the world. His work has been published by National Geographic, the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, CBC, The Globe and Mail and The Huffington Post, among others. His clients have included the Royal Canadian Mint, Canada Post, Canadian Geographic, Parks Canada, Elle Magazine, Tourism Nova Scotia and Destination Cape Breton.

For Hill, having his photography displayed in the new centre is especially meaningful because of his own connection to cancer care. 
 
“Having watched my father navigate his cancer treatment right here on Cape Breton, I know how much the physical environment matters during such a personal journey,” he said. “I’m very proud to have my photography featured in the new facility, with the hope that these images bring a sense of quiet comfort and ease to patients and their families.” 
 
Construction of the new cancer centre is well underway, with drywall and flooring now being installed in some areas. 
 
For Shepherd, seeing the building take shape is an exciting reminder of what the new centre will mean for the community. 
 
“The opportunity to create an environment that has been intentionally designed around the needs of the people who use it is really exciting,” she said. “Seeing a space that feels welcoming, accessible and inclusive will be wonderful. The photos were intentionally selected through a trauma-informed lens, using imagery that helps bring a sense of calm and a connection to nature, creating a welcoming and supportive environment." 

She said the new centre has also created an opportunity to think differently about how care is delivered — and about the importance of the patient experience. 
 
“It’s not just about the treatment we deliver; it’s about the entire experience of care,” Shepherd said. “As part of that, I hope the new murals give someone a moment to pause in quiet or peace or even just to see something beautiful when they're having a difficult day. This may seem small, but when you're going through cancer, small things can matter enormously.” 
 
The new cancer centre will nearly double in size, providing additional treatment spaces and program areas for patients and families. Eileen MacGibbon, Associate Vice-President of Acute Health Services in the Eastern Zone, with responsibilities for the Provincial Cancer Care Program, said the new centre will provide high-quality care in a supportive environment for patients and families.

“The environment in which we deliver cancer care matters.  This new centre reflects our commitment to ensuring patients and families feel supported, respected and cared for at every stage of their journey.”

Construction of the new cancer centre is expected to be complete next year. To learn more about the new Kyle Anne MacDonald Cancer Centre, visit: Cape Breton Regional Hospital | Build Nova Scotia | Build Nova Scotia.

Photo of (L-R) Professional photographer Adam Hill and Catherine Shepherd, quality improvement and patient safety lead with the Cancer Care Program, just outside of the new Kyle Anne MacDonald Cancer Centre that’s currently under construction.