Premier Commits to Build Northern Cancer Centre

September 21, 2007

Prince George – A new cancer centre will be built in Prince George as part of a multifaceted strategy to ensure northern British Columbians receive the best possible cancer care, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

“Cancer is a devastating illness that will affect one in three British Columbians at some time in their life,” said Campbell. “The new cancer centre planned for Prince George is part of our northern cancer control strategy to further improve care and access close to home for residents of all northern communities.”

Construction of a new cancer centre in Prince George is one of the recommendations of the Premier’s Consultation for Improved Cancer Care in Northern B.C., a report developed by former University of Northern B.C. president Dr. Charles Jago and then-Northern Health board chair Jeff Burghardt. The report is the result of an extensive consultation process in the North that involved 1,000 residents from more than 17 communities.

The recommendations of the report include:
  • A new cancer centre in the North will be attached to Prince George Regional Hospital and will include radiation therapy and the addition of a cancer lodge to support patients and their families with accommodations. The centre will be managed and operated by the BC Cancer Agency.
  • Increased training and support for northern physicians on cancer control, including access to BC Cancer Agency resources through outreach and telehealth services.
  • Greater focus on cancer screening services and early diagnosis across the North and enhancing the marketing of screening and availability of diagnostic services.
  • Patient-centred care where navigational supports are provided to ensure northerners receive timely care and the same quality of care.
  • Enhancements to the system of cancer care in the North by strengthening the network of care that extends from smaller communities to the largest centres through the family practice and community oncology networks.
  • Recruitment and training initiatives to attract and retain the required professionals in the North.
  • Enhanced cancer prevention initiatives, including public education on lifestyle changes to prevent the incidence of cancer, especially around reducing tobacco use.
“Northern families have told us they want a cancer centre for the North” said Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Shirley Bond. “As a lifelong resident of Prince George, I couldn’t agree more. I have consistently said that it wasn't a matter of if, but rather when. As a government, we listened to those families and a cancer centre will become a reality.”

“A new cancer centre in Prince George is a clear demonstration of our commitment to providing health care closer to home,” said Prince George North MLA Pat Bell. “All residents of northern B.C. will benefit from this new centre.”

“This cancer centre will be a milestone in the growth of health care in the north,” said Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad. “My wife went through cancer in 2000, so I understand how important it is to have a wider spectrum of cancer care for residents delivered locally.”

“As part of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy, the Provincial Health Services Authority along with the BC Cancer Agency and Northern Health have been working together to enhance cancer care services and programs in the North,” said Wynne Powell, PHSA board chair. “A new regional cancer centre is an important step forward to ensuring that patients in the North have improved access to the services they need.”

“Northern residents told us first-hand what they want to see with respect to cancer care,” said Dr. Charles Jago, co-author of the report. “I am pleased the Premier has initiated action with his commitment for a northern cancer centre in Prince George.”

Development of the strategy will cost approximately $100 million, which includes the new centre, renovations to PGRH, radiation and diagnostic equipment and expansion of the oncology services throughout the north. The cost estimates are being reviewed by government and will be refined as detailed planning and design work is completed. A Request for Proposal for design is expected to be posted by 2009. Construction would be targeted to start in late 2010, with a completion goal of 2012, three years sooner than the report’s recommended completion date.

“Our report included many recommendations to assist all northerners in improved cancer care and control,” said report co-author Jeff Burghardt. “There will be many accomplishments ahead of the targeted centre completion date of 2012. The commitment by Premier Campbell of strengthening the cancer control strategy and building a cancer centre in Prince George is great news for patients and families.”

The final report Premier’s Consultation for Improved Cancer Care in Northern B.C. builds upon the evidence presented in three previous reports, the Northern Cancer Control Strategy: A Joint Initiative of the British Columbia Cancer Agency and Northern Health, March 2005; Radiation Therapy Review, October 2005; and, Systemic Therapy Review, April 2006.

Currently, the BC Cancer Agency’s four regional centres are located in Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna. The BC Cancer Agency will open a fifth regional cancer centre in 2008 in Abbotsford.
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