New facilities to improve access to urological services

EDMONTON – Albertans now have improved access to a full range of urological services, including treatment for prostate disease and cancer, with today’s official grand opening of the Northern Alberta Urology Centre and C.J. Woods Prostate Health Clinic.

About 55,000 Albertans from central and northern Alberta are expected to receive specialized care and treatment annually at the facilities, located in the Kaye Edmonton Clinic.

“This facility will make life better for patients at this clinic by providing co-ordinated access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, reducing wait and travel times for patients and their families,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “The Northern Alberta Urology Centre and C.J. Woods Prostate Health Clinic are great examples of what we can accomplish when we work together with the communities our health system serves.”

The Northern Alberta Urology Centre and the C.J. Woods Prostate Health Clinic include 32 patient examination rooms; six cystoscopy rooms designed to accommodate procedures that visualize the inside of the bladder; one lithotripsy procedure area that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones; two urodynamic testing rooms used to assess bladder function; four minor procedure rooms; a 10-bay recovery area, as well as an on-site medical device reprocessing department to clean and sterilize instruments and scopes.

The facilities have been opening in phases since September and are now fully operational.

Alberta Infrastructure provided $30 million toward the $40-million space, with the remaining $10 million raised by the University Hospital Foundation and The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation through the Campaign for Prostate Health. In total, the Campaign for Prostate Health raised $30 million to bring the most advanced diagnosis, treatment and research in prostate disease and prostate cancer to Edmonton and northern Alberta.

“Men with prostate disease have a better chance than ever to live long, healthy lives because of the dedication and support of our community,” says Irv Kipnes, Co-Chair of the Campaign for Prostate Health and a trustee emeritus with the University Hospital Foundation. “Donors like C.J. Woods got behind this initiative when it was still just a concept on paper and this community support helped bring such an innovative approach to prostate care to life.”

Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of Alberta Health Services, says patients will be able to get the support, information and care they need – from diagnosis through treatment – at the site. “It’s truly a game-changer for patients with urological disorders and men facing prostate disease, including cancer,” says Dr. Yiu.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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