The Oncology Inpatient Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) was officially renamed “The Andrew J. Lutfy and Family Cedars Oncology Inpatient Unit” today, in honour of Andrew Lutfy and his family, and in recognition of their $3.6 million donation to the Cedars Cancer Foundation (Cedars).
The Unit, which is located on the 10th floor of the MUHC’s Royal Victoria Hospital, is reserved for cancer patients who are recovering from surgery. Its cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art facilities were carefully planned and selected with MUHC staff to support best practices and facilitate care delivery to patients. It is a calm, secure and supportive environment that encourages recovery. The Unit consists of 36 beds, divided into three pods of twelve beds each. Each patient is assigned a single room with a private bathroom; a large screen TV and free Wi-Fi; a space for staff, featuring equipment and supplies; and a couch for family members. The rooms are peripherally located, so that each room is filled with natural light from large exterior windows. The Unit also has a large family room, which family member and visitors can use at their leisure. It has a kitchenette and comfortable lounge chairs.
“The financial support of the Cedars Cancer Foundation and of donors like Mr. Lutfy and his family were critical to the building of this hospital and are vital to our Cancer Care Mission,” said Dr. Armen Aprikian, Chief of the MUHC’s Cancer Care Mission. “Our goal is to provide world-class treatment and care to our cancer patients and their families, and that’s exactly what we do for the people who are being looked after in the Oncology Inpatient Unit.”
“This is a story for us all, about the power of channeling the grief that arises from tragic loss. Over 50 years ago, my grandfather lost his 29-year-old son to what was just starting to be understood as cancer. The trauma and energy from that loss has manifested into what is today known as the Cedars Cancer Centre, which saves thousands of Montrealers’ lives each and every year,” said Andrew Lutfy. “Today, as proud Montrealers, it is not only our privilege, but also our responsibility, to support this community, and what better way than through the Cedars Cancer Foundation. My grandfather would be proud that we can continue his legacy.”
