'Having adequate clinic space is a known challenge in our current facility,' Orillia hospital official says in wake of complaint about 'depressing' decor Battling cancer is hard enough, but being forced to get treatment in the “dungeon” at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) makes it worse, says a local woman. Jean Hughes, a cancer patient, went for treatment recently to the oncology department for the first time since it was relocated to a new space in the hospital. “It’s like going into a dungeon or something,” Hughes said of the oncology department. She said she was appalled people receiving chemotherapy “had to sit for hours in this drab, dungeon-like place with no beautiful things to look at ... Even the walls were depressing in colour.” Hughes said the prior location near the cafeteria was “a totally different atmosphere.” OSMH officials said the department moved several years ago. “The oncology unit was moved to the current location in November of 2020 in response to the growth of healthcare needs in our community,” Carmine Stumpo, the hospital’s chief executive officer and president, said in an emailed statement to OrilliaMatters, an affiliate of BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. “The former location of the oncology unit has been repurposed as a part of our transitional care unit with several recent funding announcements for additional inpatient beds. “Having adequate clinic space is a known challenge in our current facility. Our oncology team does an incredible job creating a warm and welcoming environment in a less-than-ideal physical space.” Hughes suggested decorating the space with local art so patients undergoing treatment can “just look at it, appreciate the art, and dream of something.” Hughes was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, underwent a lumpectomy, and was in remission until 2018, when the dreaded disease returned. She hasn’t had radiation or chemotherapy, but she does go to the hospital for shots to keep the cancer from spreading. Despite the unappealing decor, Hughes said she finds the doctors and nurses at the department to always be kind. “They understand what they’re dealing with, so they’re always very good, helpful and considerate,” she said. Stumpo said the hospital welcomes such feedback. “We welcome feedback and encourage the community to reach out to our patient experience office at [email protected] or by phone at 705-325-2201, ext. 3365,” he said. Dahra Gillen is an intern from Carleton University.