Staff and Cancer Society representatives gathered today at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to welcome Prince Edward Island's new radiation oncologist, Dr. Ethan Laukkanen, to the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre team.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem said the province is very fortunate to have been able to recruit a radiation oncologist, and one of such high caliber. "Dr. Laukkanen brings with him several years experience in delivering radiation oncology services. With his great depth of knowledge and experience in developing new linear accelerator programs and teams, he will be a tremendous asset to the development of our new linear accelerator service," said the minister. "We are grateful that, with his arrival this week and the dedication and commitment of our staff during the transition period, cancer treatment services for new patients will resume immediately."
Patients currently having radiation therapy in Moncton will continue to receive treatment at that facility. Patients whose treatment is still in the planning stages may receive treatment locally.
Dr. Laukkanen began his practice in radiation oncology at the British Columbia Cancer Agency in 1985. He joined the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre in 1990 as an oncologist, and three years later he assumed the position of chief executive officer which he's held until recently. While in Windsor, Dr. Laukkanen was very involved in program development and expansion, having added several pieces of linear accelerator equipment there. He and his wife have three grown sons.
Minister Ballem advised that the expansion of the provincial cancer treatment centre to include linear accelerator services is proceeding well. The project will require the addition of a 15,000 square foot expansion to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as well as major renovations to the provincial cancer treatment centre and diagnostic imaging department. When completed, it will provide Islanders with access to a full cancer treatment centre and increased access to high standards of medical diagnosis, while reducing referrals out-of-province.
The functional plan for the expanded facility is now complete. Responses
to requests for equipment proposals are due this week, and floor plans
have been approved. The new facility includes areas for linear accelerator and MRI services, as well as 35 new and expanded rooms, including 10 new examination rooms, counselling rooms, and designated space for nutrition counselling, pastoral care and social work. Patients will have direct access to the facility from the front of the hospital.
Minister Ballem advised that once linear accelerator services are in place next year, staff will be able to treat almost any cancer that requires radiation services. "We expect that with the new service, we can reduce referrals out of province for radiation therapy by 95 percent," he said.