Prince Edward Island's new provincial Cancer Treatment Centre was officially opened at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital today. It will provide Islanders with a higher standard of cancer treatment here in their home province.
Medical oncology and radiation oncology services are now located together in the new 7,500 square foot addition to the hospital. It includes more than thirty rooms for diagnosis, treatment, and support services.
Premier Pat Binns advised that the opening of the Centre fulfills Government's commitment to maintain cancer treatment in the province. "Today, we have a new Centre that is even more than we hoped for," said Premier Binns. "It will offer an integrated new service in modern, spacious surroundings for patients receiving both radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatment."
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised that the opening of the Centre marks a new standard in cancer treatment in the province. "Our new treatment planning equipment exceeds today's exacting standards, and for the first time, Islanders have access to a full complement of highly qualified radiation oncology staff," said Minister Dover.
"The strategic co-location of medical oncology and radiation oncology in one Centre will enhance patient services and the working environment. It will also enable all those involved in the therapy to draw on each other for support."
Dr. Ken Grant, QEH Chief of Staff, advised that the Centre is expected to be fully operational within the next two weeks. "It is appropriate that this level of service be available in the province, and that many cancer patients will no longer have to travel out of province because we did not have the equipment or staff available here to treat them," said Dr. Grant. "The need for the service will likely only increase in future as our population gets older."
Speaking on behalf of the Cancer Society, cancer survivor Beryl MacRae said the new service will make a real difference for cancer patients requiring treatment. "Patients can be very ill when they are receiving treatment, and travel can be difficult. It is very helpful to have familiar people around you to help you through it," she said.
Queens Region Health Chair Sylvia Poirier said one in four people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and a cancer diagnosis presents many uncertainties for families and patients. "The new Centre will provide answers to these questions, along with hope and support, which are essential to successful cancer treatment," said Ms. Poirier. "The Centre has technology that is second to none, complemented by some of the best staff and physicians anywhere."
The combined capital and construction cost of the Centre was $3 million. Operating costs are expected to be about $1.5 million per year.
The general contractor for the project was M.F. Schurman and Co. Ltd. of Summerside.
Approximately 600 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in PEI. About half require radiation oncology services. Radiation therapy will be provided at the new Centre for patients with such cancers as bone, lung and breast cancer.
For more information, contact Jean Doherty, Department of Health and Social Services, (902) 368 6257 or Catherine MacIsaac, Queens Region Health, (902) 894 2360.