Health minister Adrian Dix re-confirmed the province's goals of a new cancer centre in Nanaimo during an event at VIU on Friday, May 26. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

concept plan

Province re-affirms commitment to new Nanaimo cancer centre

May 26, 2023 | 9:45 AM

NANAIMO — Despite delays in other projects and several key steps yet to be completed, the provincial government re-committed to opening a new Island cancer centre.

Premier David Eby, alongside health minister Adrian Dix, made the announcement in Nanaimo on Friday, May 26 at Vancouver Island University, announcing a concept plan for the centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) had been approved.

The proposed facility is set to offer multiple shielded treatment rooms for radiation therapy, new care units, equipment and upgrades to Nanaimo’s existing cancer clinic located at NRGH.

Another key expected addition is a PET CT device, a service currently provided in Victoria.

“This new cancer centre will provide services people can rely on with the latest technology so a cancer-free future can be the reality for more people in B.C.,” Dix said. “Nanaimo is a rapidly growing community, so it’s important that we continue to meet the demand for healthcare services.”

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Friday’s event comes one day after a similar announcement in Kamloops.

Dix expects the new cancer clinics in Nanaimo and Kamloops will open in 2027.

“Typically cancer centres of this size cost between $200 and $300 million dollars, the precise amounts will be defined in the business plan,” Dix said.

He added Nanaimo’s new facility will reduce the need for central and north Island residents to travel to Victoria or Vancouver for treatment.

Current facilities in Nanaimo include chemotherapy treatment, however, radiation must be administered elsewhere.

The existing cancer clinic in Nanaimo is a a tier four BC Cancer satellite facility, which is about about half the size of what is needed to meet demand.

The ongoing business case phase will determine what tier level the pending cancer care clinic in Nanaimo will be, according to BC Cancer chief operating officer Heather Findlay.

“That’s the work we’re going to be doing from now until October,” Findlay told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A full range of oncology services, practical and emotional support and a pharmacy are also offered at the existing Nanaimo Cancer Clinic, according to BC Cancer.

The long-called-for facility to improve care for cancer patients on the mid-Island was part of a 2020 provincial election campaign promise from the then-John Horgan-led NDP.

One year later, the health ministry told NanaimoNewsNOW conceptual planning was underway to determine specific needs and potential locations.

Construction on a new 12-bed intensive care unit at NRGH is ongoing with the facility due to open later this year.

Shovels were in the ground in 2021 after previously being announced in 2018.

One floor below the new ICU is a high-acuity unit which is also under construction and poised for a September 2024 opening.

More than 40 per cent of Canadians are expected to develop cancer through their lifetime, with around 25 per cent of those people will likely die from the disease, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Premier David Eby speaks during a Friday, May 26 event at VIU in Nanaimo, announcing creation of a concept plan for a new local cancer centre. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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