October 17, 2024
Brenda Hubley, Chief Program Officer of Cancer Care Alberta speaks at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Oct 17, 2024. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Together with Premier Smith and Minister LaGrange, patient family advisors and their daughters cut the ribbon, announcing opening of Arthur Child. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Patient and Family Advisory Council take a moment to be thankful for their active participation in making this building a reality. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Story by Kristen Anderson | Photos by Leah Hennel
CALGARY – A new era in cancer care has officially begun in Alberta with the opening of the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child), welcoming patients through its’ doors later this month.
The Government of Alberta, along with Alberta Health Services, officially unveiled the building during a ribbon cutting and media event on Oct. 17.
“Thinking back to the groundbreaking for this building and witnessing its’ transformation over the past seven years is truly awe-inspiring,” said Brenda Hubley, Chief Program Officer, Cancer Care Alberta. “This new cancer centre is a testament to the collective vision and dedication of so many people.
But I particularly want to recognize the patient and family advisors. Their invaluable insights have shaped the design of this remarkable building and space.”
Patients played a large role in designing the $1.4-billion, 120,000-sq.m facility, as their ideas helped create a building that makes it easier for individuals to get the care they need in a comforting environment.
Through a group called the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), formed in 2014, patients, families, and staff helped with many of the design choices such as natural lighting and patient spaces throughout the building.
“These people are inspirational and I’m so fortunate to have gotten to work with them on such a momentous project,” said patient advisor and PFAC member Charlotte Kessler. “We are family, and this centre is our baby. We look forward to all of you to getting to know it.”
With 160 inpatient rooms, more than 90 chemotherapy chairs, increased space for clinical trials, and 12 radiation vaults with three more shelled in for future growth, the Arthur Child will be one of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in the world. It will include both inpatient and outpatient services while integrated research through the cancer care continuum will further optimize care with a focus on prevention, early detection, precision medicine and psychosocial care.
The Arthur Child will engage patients at the centre of a multidisciplinary health system, enabling access to comprehensive cancer care services in a world-class facility.
“More than just a building, the Arthur Child is a place where cutting edge research, world-class clinical trials, and exceptional patient care all exist under one roof,” Hubley said. “That’s remarkable.
“It’s a place of hope, possibility, and a place where medical innovation, clinical expertise, and compassionate care will come together and bring to life our shared and unwavering commitment to transform cancer care.”
AHS and its partners — including Alberta Infrastructure, Alberta Cancer Foundation, University of Calgary, and PCL Construction — have been diligently working to prepare the site to welcome patients, staff, researchers and volunteers. Construction began on the building in 2017 and is the largest infrastructure project that the Government of Alberta and AHS have undertaken to date.
The Arthur Child will open in phases starting on Oct. 28.
Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, visit ahs.ca/arthurchild.
