March 1, 2013
Story by James Stevenson; Photo by Paul Rotzinger
A new cancer centre will be built in Calgary, giving southern Albertans better access to leading edge cancer care, all within the existing Foothills Medical Centre site.
The facility was announced by Premier Alison Redford and Health Minister Fred Horne in Calgary on March 1.
The new centre will include inpatient beds, the latest advanced cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies, an outpatient facility, and dedicated research space to provide more opportunities for cancer innovation.
Following an extensive planning phase, construction is expected to begin by 2015/2016.
“A new centre will help us better treat the growing number of patients cared for by our cancer doctors, nurses and support staff, and allow them to focus their energies on patient care, treatment and research,” says Dr. Chris Eagle, CEO of Alberta Health Services.
“This is a positive step for cancer treatment in Calgary and southern Alberta. It will ease the burden on patients and those at the frontline of cancer care.”
Cancer is by far the leading cause of premature death in Alberta. Every year, nearly 16,000 Albertans are diagnosed with cancer and more than 5,500 people die from it. Almost half of Alberta's entire population, 45 per cent, lives in Calgary and southern Alberta. A growing population and improved cancer care that has increased survival rates has created a need for new infrastructure.
“We know the need for cancer care will continue to grow, and we need a facility to increase capacity and improve patient care,” says Premier Alison Redford. “This state-of-the-art facility will be a hub for cancer care for Calgary and southern Alberta.”
To help cover costs of the new centre, the province will seek funding from partners and explore alternative financing arrangements, including public-private partnerships. The Alberta Cancer Foundation has already committed $200 million.
“For the past year, we have been working tirelessly with the Alberta Government and other health stakeholders to bring the dream of a comprehensive cancer facility to fruition,” says John Osler, Chairman of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
“As a cancer survivor, I have seen the system from the inside,” says Osler. “The promise and opportunity a facility of this nature brings – not only for Calgarians, but for all Albertans – is truly monumental.”
Cancer services currently provided at the Holy Cross Centre will be moved to the Foothills Medical Centre site. It will also house a research facility.
The Tom Baker Cancer Centre will continue to provide cancer services until the new facility is built. At that time, all cancer services will be transferred to the new centre. Once the transition is complete, the Tom Baker will be used to provide other clinical services at the Foothills Medical Centre.
Paul Grundy, Senior Vice President and Senior Medical Director of AHS Cancer Care said that the announcement would not be possible without the dedication, expertise and tireless efforts of the many oncologists and Cancer Care staff in Calgary and southern Alberta.
“As the planning for this new facility kicks into high-gear, we’ll need the advice and input from Calgary Zone physicians and Cancer Care staff to ensure that this new cancer centre best meets the needs of patients,” says Grundy.
“I want to thank all AHS Cancer Care staff for their patience and perseverance getting to this important and significant announcement today.”
The Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton will anchor the northern half of the provincial cancer care system and is moving forward with $67 million in upgrades. A radiation therapy corridor is continuing to expand, offering radiation therapy closer to home for more Albertans. The Red Deer Cancer Centre is under development; a new cancer centre for Grande Prairie will be part of its new regional hospital; the Jack Ady Cancer Centre opened in Lethbridge in 2010. Once this north-south radiation corridor is complete, nine out of 10 Albertans will have access to radiation therapy within 100 kilometres of home.
