@islandhealth.ca
NANAIMO – A business plan for the new BC Cancer centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) has been approved.
The three-storey centre will be built next to the ambulatory care building. It will house a computed topography (CT) simulator, a PET/CT diagnostic scanner and an oncology ambulatory care unit with 12 exam rooms, four consultation rooms and space for medical physicists and radiation therapists. The lower level will contain four linear accelerator vaults, which are heavy concrete structures that contain radiation equipment used in the treatment of cancer patients.
The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation issued a statement: “We are excited about the new cancer treatment center as it will enable Central Island residents access to care closer to home. The Foundation is here to support the improvement that will be needed at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital as the host site for the cancer center. We want to ensure that the full spectrum of care is available from diagnostics through to post treatment care.”
The procurement process is underway and construction is expected to begin in 2025 with completion in 2028.
Upgrades to NRGH have also been approved, such as a new single-storey addition to the ambulatory care building that will be home to a new community oncology network clinic and expanded pharmacy.
The upgraded clinic will have 16 treatment bays, private consultation rooms, a medication room and support space. Cancer care delivered through the clinic will include oral and intravenous cancer treatment, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapy. The clinic also provides initial consultation and treatment planning with a medical oncologist, supportive care, followup care and patient education.
The pharmacy will be updated to current standards and feature more space. Construction work also includes 164 new parking spaces featuring a two-storey parkade next to the cancer centre as well as parking stalls in the north lot.
“We are excited to bring a new BC Cancer centre to Nanaimo. The new cancer centre will complement the existing services provided by BC Cancer – Victoria and reduce the burden of travel for people living in central and north Vancouver Island communities. We look forward to working in partnership with Island Health to expand cancer care in this rapidly growing region,” said Tracy Irwin, chief operating officer, BC Cancer.
The project budget is approximately $289 million.
Source: Province of BC News & Business Examiner Staff