Government officials and community representatives turned the sod today to mark the beginning of construction of Prince Edward Island's new provincial cancer treatment centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The centre will house enhanced radiation therapy services and medical oncology services to enable Islanders to access cancer treatment services in the province. It is expected to open early next year.
The sod was officially turned by cancer survivor Glenda Gallant, Premier Pat Binns, Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover, and Dr. Dagny Dryer.
Premier Binns expressed pleasure with the achievement of the construction milestone. "Keeping cancer treatment services in the province, and indeed providing enhanced services is a major priority for government. It is with great pleasure that we participate in today's event that has brought us another major step closer to making this important goal a reality," he said.
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised that the construction tender was awarded Wednesday to M.F. Schurman and Co. Ltd. of Summerside.
Construction will include the addition of 7,500 square feet on the front of the hospital. The centre will contain two major areas for radiation oncology and medical oncology services and more than 30 rooms for diagnostic, treatment and support services.
"The total architectural, engineering, design and construction costs are $1.5 million. With careful planning and the excellent cooperation of staff and physicians I believe we will have a facility that meets today's standards and the health needs of Islanders now and in future," said the minister.
In addition to enhanced radiation therapy services, medical oncology services will also be relocated to the new area.
Provincial oncologist Dr. Dagny Dryer advised that the co-location of medical oncology with radiation therapy services will have many benefits for patients and staff.
"New chemotherapy treatment rooms will be relocated from our cramped basement quarters to a brighter, more spacious and comfortable area at the front of the hospital," she said. "There are also tremendous advantages in having staff located and working together, and together we hope to offer a much more integrated service."
Provincial Medical Director Dr. Don Ling advised that recruitment for a medical physicist and radiation oncologist is now in process and potential candidates are being interviewed. It is hoped that an announcement can be made on the oncologist by at least September.
For more information, contact Dr. Don Ling, Director of Medical Services, Dept. of Health & Social Services at (902) 368-6131; or Kathryn Dickson Doyle, Communications, Queens Region Health, at (902) 894-2360.