Oncology unit amp up comfort and care with distinct donation bundle |05 July 2018

The Oncology Unit of the Seychelles Hospital has received an unconventional donation to support its operations and patient care.

The event was particularly distinctive as for the first time ever, multiple donors joined together to transform different acts of giving into a single bundle. 

It was amid national celebrations on the eve of the Independence Day that the two main benefactors, Soroptimist Seychelles and La Belle Hair Dressing Salon, joined by other sponsoring partners, assembled at the newly renovated unit to officially conduct a handover. This was accepted by the chief executive of the Health Care Agency, Dr Danny Louange, and the staff of the oncology unit.

Commenting on the individual nature of the event, Dr Louange commended the different parties who in one way or another contributed towards a noble cause.

“We are here today as one big family, made up of different individuals from civil society, the community and businesses who have come together as we commemorate an auspicious occasion, our Independence Day,” he said. “I am happy that we have chosen to celebrate this day through giving towards a cause that concerns us all.”

The varied donations will benefit the Oncology Unit in numerous ways. These will notably enhance the comfort of patients, improve the ambience of the facility and increase the overall mental health of patients.

Soroptimist Seychelles, a regular contributor to cancer patients, rallied for the occasion four other sponsors to assist in creating an ultimate package. With the assistance of the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) Seychelles, Kannus Supermarkets and local painter George Camille, they handed over to Dr Louange 4 clinical recliners with accompanying stands, two television sets and canvases for decoration. Additionally the non-governmental organisation also approached Cable and Wireless to equip the televisions with Cable TV subscription packages.

All the donors expressed their happiness at the success of the endeavour initiated by Soroptimist Seychelles and committed their continued support towards cancer care.

“We are here to give a helping hand to provide more support while patients go through this difficult time,” Thomas Dauban, the director for human resources and administration from Cable and Wireless said in a brief address to the guests.

His statement was echoed by the managing director of MCB Seychelles, Bernard Jackson, who described the bank’s contribution as a voluntary support and one that after this event, it will continue to give.

“This project was the ideal opportunity to extend further relief for cancer patients. We hope that our contribution facilitates the provision of care for both the patients and staff.”

Josette Barbe, the owner of La Belle Hairdressing Salon, a small parlour in Au Cap, made a more individual sponsorship. Accompanied by a member of her team she handed over a set of wigs which she described as way to help cancer patients who lose their hair after chemotherapy, especially for those who face different challenges during treatment.