POLSON — Upgrades on the third floor oncology wing of St. Joseph’s Medical Center moved into the second phase this fall.

A remodeled set of bathrooms, including a handicap room, have been finished. Phase two is underway, working to relocate a cardio rehabilitation room. This will open space for a kitchenette and patient waiting room.

 All of the work is aiming to significantly improve the comfort level for patients and caregivers going through what can be some of the most uncomfortable of cancer treatments. A special collaboration has brought about the improvements.

Funding the project came   from both SJMC and the local Cheerful Heart group. In late October, Cheerful Hearts presented the hospital with a $10,000 check that is helping to fund phases one and two.

Since 2002, Cheerful Hearts has been providing nonmedical services to patients in the county. On Tuesdays, when the space is used as an oncology clinic, the group serves soup to caregivers, patients and staff.

Because of the high demand on the space, the wing is also used for several other services, including cardio rehab.

“It’s crowded and there are patients and caregivers out in the hall for much of the time. Everyone gets along well, that’s the beauty of it, but it also does indicate a need for the upgrade, the improvement,” Cheerful Heart board member Don Dubuque said.

Dubuque helps serve soup, and has received treatment there as well. His gratitude for the services is strong, and has now been coupled with a mission to make the space as comfortable as possible.

Phase three, which has yet to be funded, will fully convert the rehab room to not only house the soup station, but a resource library, the wigs, hats and scarves program as well. It will also offer snacks and drinks.

SJMC direct of patient care services Karen Lund said a timeline hasn’t been set to finish phase three. The work is being done completely in-house to save money, she said.

Polson resident Susan Klein brought the idea for the clinic remodel to Cheerful Heart and SJMC two years ago.

Group members have since gathered donations, from local businesses and residents, to raise the money. Harbor Light Furniture donated $1,000 worth of flooring. The group also received a $1,500 donation from the Greater Polson Community Foundation and has held fundraisers at Glacier Brewery. Cheerful Heart board members will help raise fund for phase three. 

Dubuque said that cooperation has come from absolutely everyone involved, from the patients to staff to doctors. The upgrades will serve all those people, and anyone who may find themselves there in the future.

“This is for the whole county,” Dubuque said.