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September 11, 2009 PROVINCE ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AT WESTMAN CANCER CENTRE IN BRANDON– – –$24-million Facility First to Provide Radiation Therapy Outside of Winnipeg BRANDON—Construction is now underway on a $24-million, Western Manitoba Cancer Centre that will provide radiation therapy, chemotherapy and outpatient care, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced here today.
“This new centre will make Brandon the first community outside Winnipeg to provide radiation therapy,” said Oswald. “We are working closely with the region and CancerCare Manitoba to move this project forward so western Manitoba residents have access to enhanced cancer care closer to home.”
The new facility will include radiation therapy and chemotherapy units as well as:
· a supportive care area including offices for a pharmacist and a dietician as well as support services for emotional, social and spiritual health for patients and their families;
· the introduction of effective and efficient practices to help patients and families navigate the cancer journey;
· an outpatient clinic with work areas and exam rooms;
· a quiet area for patients and family members; and
· volunteer space.
“This enhanced cancer care program is a great addition to the wide range of services provided at the Brandon Regional Health Centre,” said Carmel Olson, chief executive officer of the Brandon Regional Health Authority. “We are very pleased to be partnering with and to have the benefit of the clinical expertise of CancerCare Manitoba to guide us in establishing standards of care.”
Cutting-edge information technology will allow staff at the Brandon site to connect with the CancerCare Manitoba site in Winnipeg. This will allow staff at both facilities to consult about treatment options for patients and to access educational opportunities and training without having to travel to Winnipeg.
“This is an exciting opportunity to transform care in the region,” said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba. “We are blending chemotherapy, radiation therapy and technology into leading-edge practice with highly co-ordinated health-care professionals centred around the patient.”
Today’s announcement builds on other significant investments in health care in Brandon including:
· the installation of the first MRI outside of Winnipeg in 2004;
· the $58-million, state-of-the-art redevelopment of the Brandon Regional Health Centre, completed in 2004;
· the development of the Seventh Street Health Access Centre, which provides expanded access to enhanced health and social services; and
· the development of a new pediatric residency training program.
Construction of the project is expected to create 328 construction jobs over the course of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by late 2010. Services are anticipated to begin at the new centre in spring 2011.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED |
