Patient and family comfort rooms are warm, inviting spaces where cancer patients and families can go for information, discussion, or quiet respite. These areas are available in four areas of the province and offer a range of services – all made possible through the contributions of volunteers. A sample of services includes: wigs and fittings, prostheses, an introduction to therapies including: massage, Therapeutic Touch, and Reiki.
Cathy's Place, St. Martha's Hospital
Cathy’s Place, a resource room for cancer patients and families, is located at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish. It has a computer with internet access and there are wigs, hats and turbans available for patients free of charge. It is staffed by volunteers. Cathy’s Place is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Serenity Room, Colchester East Hants Health Centre
The Serenity Room at Colchester East Hants Health Centre is a place where cancer patients and their families can go to access resources, and comfort. It offers a quiet environment with internet access, a telephone with free local calls and sample wigs. The Serenity Room is located in building A on the ground floor in the ambulatory care area (room number A1 042). It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Sunshine Room, Centennial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre
The Sunshine Room is a space where cancer patients and their families can go for information, discussion or a quiet respite. Located in the chemotherapy wing of the Victoria General Hospital, this non-medical room provides patients with relief during their battle with cancer. Patients and families visit the room when they need an escape or a safe haven from stresses of ongoing medical treatment that consumes their daily lives.
The Sunshine Room is located QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Victoria Building, Floor 11 Room 017.
It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number is 902-473-6567.
The Harmony Room, Yarmouth Regional Hospital
The Harmony is located outside the chemotherapy unit at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, provides an area of relaxation and reflection for patients and families. Patients and families may benefit from Therapeutic Touch, which is provided complimentary twice a week. Patients also have access to wigs, head wraps, breast prosthesis and bras. The Harmony Room is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Healing Garden, Cape Breton Regional Hospital
The Healing Garden at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre was built in 1999 and is located adjacent to the chemotherapy treatment room of the Cancer Centre. It is used as a public space for patients, visitors, and staff and is used by a therapeutic horticulture pilot program for activities. Therapeutic goals of the program include increasing hope, bringing a sense of control, restoring cognitive attention, and increasing a sense of empowerment.
The Journey Room, South Shore Regional Hospital
The Journey Room is a place where cancer patients and their families can go for information, discussion or a quiet respite. The room is run by trained volunteers who will help patients and their families to unwind, enjoy some calming music or an inspirational book. It offers complementary services such as Reiki, massage and yoga. Hairdressing services, wig fittings and head wraps are also available at the Journey Room.
The Journey Room is located on the 3rd floor of South Shore Regional Hospital across from the Oncology Clinic. Follow the purple line from the elevator. It is open from Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on holidays. Reiki is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The Meloney Family Comfort Room, Cape Breton Regional Hospital
The Meloney Family Comfort Room is a place where cancer patients and their families can go for information, discussion or a quiet respite. Patients can come to the comfort room and use our complementary services such as Reiki, the Wig Bank and Look Good Feel Better. An appointment is required for these services.
The comfort room is located on the level three of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. To get to the comfort room, take elevator 7 which is located just outside of the cancer centre and it is on the right when you get off the elevator.
