Getting to Know the Chemotherapy Team!
April 26, 2021
At HPHA we are proud to deliver high quality cancer care close to home. Each year the number of systemic cancer treatments provided in our clinic continues to increase, demonstrating the great need in our community.
In the last year our chemotherapy team has delivered well over 1,600 systemic treatments to cancer patients in addition to other medical treatments and procedures. Nursing, physician and administrative team members work together to ensure care is delivered seamlessly in partnership with the London Regional Cancer Program, other departments within HPHA and community service providers.
Meet some of our team members!
Alyson, RN
How long have you worked at HPHA?
I have been working in the chemo clinic at HPHA for the past 5 years. I began working as a student nutrition assistant in the kitchen at SGH in high school and continued throughout university. My high school experience and positive exposure to the hospital during that time influenced me to become a nurse and return to my home community.
What do you enjoy most about working in cancer care?
I enjoy the people. Working in a smaller satellite unit allows us to build special relationships with our coworkers, patients and their loved ones. We are able to connect with people on a regular basis while providing treatments and emotional support throughout their cancer journey. It is rewarding to help patients and their families during challenging times.
Barb, Administrative Support
What do you enjoy most about working in cancer care?
I enjoy making a difference. People are so frightened and overwhelmed and being the first person they see, I try to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Once you have been on the patient side of things you realize how much difference a kind word makes!
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I enjoy cooking and baking and have an extensive cookbook library. To go along with that I enjoy wine and belong to a wine club. Reading and writing are also tops on my list and when I retire I have a couple plots going on in my head for historical novels. Dancing was a big part of my life for many years and I taught belly dancing. I also took classes in Flamenco, fire dance, African dance, East Indian dance and ballroom.
Dr. Janis Nicholson
When it is safe to travel again, where would you like to go? As soon as we are able, I really want to go to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to visit family. It has been far too long since my kids have seen their grandparents, cousins, and other family.
What are your favourite ways to spend your free time?A lot of my ‘free time’ is spent dealing with food … grocery shopping, cooking, baking etc. Between my husband and my boys (12 and 15) it is really hard to keep food around. I am also involved with Stratford Sabrecats, our local track team. I mostly assist with some of the organizational issues but I also run with athletes who are just starting with us. Of course, I do also find some time to watch Netflix and I am always looking for suggestions of what shows to watch.
Learn more about our Chemotherapy Program.