Renovations to the laboratory and imaging department at University Hospital may not seem like such giant steps, but they are vital in improving services relating to needs of the new BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North.
In this first of two phases of renovations, the blood collection bay has been enhanced to accommodate an increased volume of patients, said Ashley Stoppler, manager of diagnostics.
"We've added a third bay for patient blood collecting to increase the flow of patients," said Stoppler, pointing out a new barber-like chair for patients that can be raised or lowered.
"This moves us one step closer in developing new cancer services and care closer to home for local patients and their families," said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
"It will also allow UHNBC to more fully support the cancer centre in areas like blood collection, diagnostic testing and specimen analysis," said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell, Forest, Mines and Lands Minister.
Overall it means extra space, new clinical equipment and upgrades to the physical plant building site to service needs of the hospital and the cancer centre, said Dr. Charles Jago, NH board chair.
The renovated waiting room, which gives more privacy to patients, will soon have a homey look with planters and flowers for a more pleasant visit, Stoppler said. Completion of phase one is expected during the first half of this year.
Phase two will focus on developing six oncology beds which will open the same time as the cancer centre scheduled for September, 2012.
The two phases represent $8.1 million of the total $106 million allocated for the Northern Cancer Control Strategy Program (NCCSP) which includes everything from cancer prevention to chemo and radiation therapy treatment to end-of-life care.
The funding for the enhancement phases is split 60/40 per cent between the B.C. government through the NCCSP and Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District (FFGRHD).
FFGRHD chair Stephanie Killam, said although cancer touches so many people "the initiatives of the NCCSP are providing a new era in cancer care for our region."
