Surrey Memorial expands chemotherapy capacity with six new treatment chairs

Surrey Memorial Hospital has added six new chemotherapy treatment chairs, bringing the total to 39, in an effort to address growing demand for cancer care in the region. According to health officials, the expansion will allow up to 420 additional patients to receive treatment each month.

Dr. Sylvie Bourque, executive medical director at BC Cancer’s Surrey centre, said demand for chemotherapy services in Surrey continues to rise. She said the expanded capacity is expected to help the hospital meet a key target: starting first treatment for more than 90 per cent of patients within two weeks of an initial cancer diagnosis.

The increase comes as the Fraser Health region reports a steady rise in cancer cases, placing additional pressure on existing facilities and wait times. Health authorities have identified timely access to chemotherapy as a critical factor in patient outcomes.

To address long-term demand, a new hospital and cancer centre is under construction in Cloverdale. Officials say the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will provide specialized care for thousands of patients each year.