Cross Cancer Institute

I have been at The Cross Cancer Institute since early or mid October. Anxiously to find a new shelter. In the meantime I'm here because I was diagnosed with Blood Cancer. Earlier time I was on Chemotherapy. I stopped the treatment cause I was getting Nauseated. But now I'm taking Chemo Pills. Way better than being hooked up on Wire's.

Colposcopy clinic I would give this place 0 stars if I could. I have had multiple negative experiences since the beginning of my journey with receiving treatment for cervical cancer. The first experience began with the clinic cancelling my appointment not once, but twice on very short notice because Dr. Schuurmans had to re-schedule. The first time they cancelled it was one hour before my appointment. I thought there would be some effort to get me into see another physician that day, but the receptionist (Linda) said it was not possible. The second time my appointment my re-scheduled there was no explanation as to why and I waited from November 2022 -March 2023 to finally have a Colposcopy. After the colposcopy I received a letter in the mail stating I had another appointment in April. There was No follow up besides that from the cross and then the receptionist called me to inform me about the LEEP procedure I was apparently scheduled for. I told her I wanted to ask a licensed medical professional the questions I had and she said the doctor would not have time for that. I was then directed to visit my family doctor to ask questions , because the place that claims to specialize in this was “too busy” to provide proper follow up and patient care. I went for the LEEP procedure in April 2023 and Dr. schuurmans was rushed and didn’t seem like she knew how to use some of the instruments provided for the excision- (I.e asking the nurse for an “older model” of an instrument because she didn’t know how to use the new one). Moments before she was about to apply local anesthetic to my cervix , the needle slipped in her hand and it poked me in the backside instead. It would have been nice if this procedure came with the option of being put to sleep, but it was never discussed with me, or what my comfort level was like with having this all done while awake. November 8 2023 - I just went back for my 6 month follow up after the LEEP procedure. The first thing Dr. Schuurmans stated as she walked in the room was “so you’re done having kids right?” You would think now seeing her for the third time and with her knowing my age and medical history she wouldn’t be asking that question. The implied message that I took from that question and that I’m sure many other women would take is that it may be too late for me to have kids. After this uncomfortable conversation she examined my cervix, took more biopsies and let me know that I may need another LEEP procedure if this shows that I still have HSIL cells, since the other pathology report after the first LEEP procedure did. Once she was finished the procedure she second guessed herself and then asked the nurse in front of me if she should have also done the HPV test which is apparently a newer test to check if the result would be negative after having the LEEP. She was about to raise the chair up again and put the speculum back inside of me when the nurse said “no we can just include that on the requisition form” I realize this is a lot of information but I felt it was necessary to explain from the very beginning how my experience has been at the cross. The staff that work in that clinic lack compassion and understanding for the patients they treat. It is natural to become somewhat desensitized to something when you are exposed to it every day, but I think they are either experiencing compassion fatigue or they just need to work in another field where they are not interacting with people, who are sometimes receiving some of the worst news that could change the entire course of their life! I don’t feel safe going back to this clinic or doctor for future treatment. My advice to any woman who has been referred to this clinic, would be to explore other women’s health clinics in Edmonton before having to go to this place where you will be treated like another number or just another cervix to examine. Would also recommend this place updates their scholastic poster from 2003 on the ceiling and relocates the biohazardous container so it’s not directly beside where the patient sits

My wife had tumor when she was a child it a good thing it was not cancer later in life she had breast cancer and the doctor did the first ever removal of the tumor in a 3 cell division radiation treatment 22 years later she found she has leukemia and the tumors at65 she went for major surgery on her hip replacement but she still pushes forward she is 67 she kicks scooter and rides a stand up e scooter and takes care of me her husband 24 /7 we been married 45 years so when we look at our care givers try to understand that they themselves are all so human so many people have been helped in the cross cancer hospital try to at least to tell them what a great job they do for us thank you for reading a bit of our story

This place saves lives, what else can one say. My wife went through treatment here for breast cancer and the staff were friendly and courteous and professional at all times. Not everyone that goes through here survives but most do and that’s great. Cancer is no ones friend, so to take something negative and make it a positive is not easy so kudos to the staff and the work they do. My wife had both chemo and radiation done and it was a tough go at times so the staff and doctors were friendly and understanding. It’s a well lit and clean place

No one likes the fact that they are a patient or visiting friends and family here but this was my first appointment at the Cross , parking was pretty straight forward I had no issues there . I was met by very helpful kind staff , directed to hand sanitation and new mask area , registration was quick and easy, with again very polite kind staff , I had my service dog in training with me , everyone was super respectful that she was working and couldn't be petted, thankyou to everyone at the Institution for their great work!!

My husband has been dealing with the cross for just over a year. Went there a while back doctor says he may be experiencing liver failure. Tells us to go to emergency. Then says she'll be back with a letter or will call to the hospital of his choice. In walks a nurse with a piece of paper for his follow up and sends us on our way. Then another time schedule him for treatment Nobody ordered his meds. Today they ask him if he can shower or dress him self. How do they think he got there! He is not in a wheelchair. So he has hope no thanks to them. You don't need to like the person you treat the