News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 3, 2022

Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen Tours Expanding CancerCare Site in Russell

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Community Leadership will Help More People Access Care Closer to Home: Deputy Premier

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RUSSELL—With dedicated and ongoing support of the community, an initiative to improve access to chemotherapy in Russell continues to move forward, with construction expected to start on an expanded CancerCare Manitoba program space later this year, Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen announced here today as part of a tour of the site. 

“Cancer touches the lives of nearly every Manitoban, either through a diagnosis of our own or for a loved one, so it is fitting the community has come together in Russell to support people on that journey,” said Cullen. “This community-driven project means more people will be able to access the care they need, closer to home, for many years to come. Our government would like to recognize the leadership of the Expanding Community Cancer Care committee, the regional health authority and all of the people from Russell and nearby communities who have worked together to make this project a reality.” 

The Expanding Community Cancer Committee (ECCC) is fully funding all construction and equipment costs related to the expansion, estimated at $2.5 million, the deputy premier noted. To date, more than $1.8 million has been raised. 

“We are delighted that this project, which will serve clients from 15 communities in our surrounding area, has received the green light,” said Gloria Tibbatts, president, ECCC. “This is a testament to all the hard work and persistence by the committee, and all the support and financial contributions from our area to date. We thank everyone for their continued support because we could not have arrived at this stage without you.” 

Prairie Mountain Health has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to plan for the necessary building parameters, construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project. Prairie Mountain Health will contribute annual operating costs for the expansion including staffing and supplies. 

“We are grateful for the hard work, dedication and commitment of the Expanding Community Cancer Committee and local support from the entire area,” said Brian Schoonbaert, CEO, Prairie Mountain Health. “This much-needed new building addition, which will be about four times the size of the current unit, will better serve patients in this part of our health region, as well as provide a better physical environment for our staff to provide care.” 

“High-quality care which meets the highest standards is very important when we bring care closer to home,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and CEO, CancerCare Manitoba. “This expansion is going to bring that to the community. I congratulate the community for their determination and perseverance to raise the funds to expand the space for cancer services in Russell.” 

Construction is expected to start this summer on the expansion of the chemotherapy unit expansion, which is located at the Russell Health Centre, the deputy premier noted. Once complete, the project will add another 2,300 square feet to the existing space. 

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