Avoiding the drive to Calgary made the experience less stressful, said Burton. But walking into the Canmore General Hospital is more than just convenient for him; it’s also a different experience than a city hospital. In Canmore, many of the hospital’s staff are familiar faces for Burton – people he has known for years.

“Those programs allow them to have time to learn how to have a break from their cancer with people who understand what they’re going through,” said Henry. “I think those activities bring people together in the community who are sharing the same thing.”

It was “a bit of a shock” for Barb Shellian when she started at the Canmore General Hospital in 1975. At that time, the hospital was not at its current location.

Going to the former cancer care unit, which opened in 2001, “was like getting your chemo treatment in a closet,” said Graham Lock, who was foundation chair at the time. “It was really crowded and no privacy, the chairs were right beside each other.”

With a growing community, the addition will be immediately put to good use. When Robertson came by for her checkups near the end of her term, she often heard “you don’t want to go into labour yet, there are four women currently in labour and there are only two labour and delivery rooms,” she said.