New chemotherapy room and pharmacy upgrade brings hope to patients at Groote Schuur Hospital

The Oncology Department at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), which cares for approximately 3 000 new patients every year, has officially opened a newly upgraded outpatient chemotherapy room and modernised pharmacy facilities. This milestone project will ease overcrowding, improve patient comfort, and ensure that life-saving chemotherapy medications are safely and efficiently prepared.

The R5.2 million project was made possible through the generosity of donors, including a R1 million contribution from Wheel2Heal, as well as significant support from the Radiation Oncology Facilities Board Fund, the Groote Schuur Trust, government departments, hospital management, staff contributions, and civil society partners.

The new facility is more than just an upgraded space. It represents a shared commitment to ensuring that patients receive dignified, compassionate, and high-quality care when they need it most.

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said, “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when government, civil society, donors, and healthcare professionals work together with one goal in mind: to offer patients hope. I am deeply grateful to every partner who has contributed to making this dream a reality. Together, we have not just built a room—we have created a space of care, comfort, and compassion that will serve thousands of patients for years to come.”

For patients like Duane Minder, the impact of this project is deeply personal. At just 36 years old, Duane Minder thought his persistent back pain was nothing more than a strained muscle. For more than two years, he lived with the discomfort, often being told it was “just muscular.” One day, after dropping his keys and jumping a gate to retrieve them, Duane collapsed — unable to stand or feel his legs. What seemed like a freak accident revealed something far more serious: he was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, with a tumour pressing against his spine and causing spinal cord compression.

Minder was rushed into emergency care at Groote Schuur Hospital. He received urgent radiotherapy and was started on chemotherapy almost immediately. With the care of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, he slowly regained movement in his legs. Today, thanks to ongoing chemo and physiotherapy support — even home visits from his local physio team — Duane is walking again, step by step, and looking forward with hope.

Speaking at the opening, he said, “The doctors, nurses, and therapists here gave me my life back. I am so grateful for their care and for this new chemotherapy room, which will make the journey a little easier for every patient who comes here. It shows us that we are not alone, and that people care about what we are going through.”

Reflecting on his experience, Minder added, “From day one, the team at Groote Schuur motivated me when I felt like giving up. At my age you still want to move, to live, to do things for yourself. They made me believe it was possible. This new chemotherapy unit brings space, fresh air, and dignity for patients like me. It makes the journey a little easier.”

Dr Shaheem De Vries, CEO of Groote Schuur Hospital, said, “We are grateful to every donor, funder, and partner who made this project possible. Their generosity ensures that we can provide safe, dignified, and high-quality care to patients who need it most. These contributions do not just build facilities – they open doors of hope and possibility for thousands of families across the Western Cape. Together, we are enhancing access to healthcare.”

The Western Cape Government and Groote Schuur Hospital extend their heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible. Healthcare is a team effort, and this project demonstrates the power of working together to deliver a healthier, more hopeful future.

Media Enquiries
Robyn Thomson 
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness 
Email: robyn.thomson@westerncape.gov.za

Dwayne Evans
Communication
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Cell: 072 236 8658
E-mail: dwayne.evans@westerncape.gov.za