Take a virtual walk through Calgary’s new cancer centre

AHS unveils 360-degree photo tour of high-tech Arthur Child facility

Story by Jennifer Green

CALGARY — In a welcoming gesture to engage patients and orient staff, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has launched a first-of-its-kind 360-degree photo tour of the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Designed to be inclusive and accessible, this virtual tour gives everyone the opportunity to explore the facility before its doors officially open this coming fall. This feature will prove particularly beneficial for patients and their families, allowing them to navigate and familiarize themselves with the facility from the comfort of their homes. It also gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into state-of-the-art areas that patients and families rarely see.

“This virtual tour is more than technology — it is a bridge connecting patients and healthcare providers,” says Dr. Don Morris, Medical Director for the Arthur Child. “It's about making our facility welcoming and accessible to everyone, everywhere prior to public opening and beyond. We're not just building a facility; we're building hope and the assurance of exemplary care for those who need it the most."

The tour also serves as an essential tool for staff orientation, helping new team members familiarize themselves with the layout and services of the facility, which in turn will ultimately support the delivery of high-quality care.

Most importantly, the virtual tour will facilitate patient navigation and engagement. It allows patients to virtually walk through the building, explore treatment areas and understand the layout of the facility which, in turn, should reduce anxiety and augment comfort levels before they even set foot in the building.

"Innovation and patient-focus are at the heart of what we do,” Dr. Morris adds “This virtual tour is an example to our commitment to patient care. We hope this virtual tour helps welcome patients and their families/caregivers when coming in for treatment.”