Posted on: May 29, 2023
People in Nanaimo and surrounding communities are one step closer to having cancer care in their community with approval of a concept plan for a new cancer centre at NRGH.
“Getting a cancer diagnosis can be some of the most difficult news someone gets in their life,” said Premier David Eby. “We must ensure people in B.C. can get access to the care they need when they need it. That is why Nanaimo will soon be home to a new cancer care centre. This will bring the latest life-saving technology closer to the people of Nanaimo, as well as residents of the central and north Island.”
In addition to constructing a new cancer centre, hospital upgrades are also approved, which includes renovating and expanding the existing community oncology clinic at NRGH. This will increase the number of treatment spaces and exam rooms, and replace the current cancer outpatient pharmacy.
“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.,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Nanaimo is a rapidly growing community, so it’s important that we continue to meet the demand for health-care services as it evolves. The centre will be crucial in our approach of achieving sustainable cancer care, provincewide.”
The project’s scope and budget will be determined in the business-planning phase, which is underway.
“The expansion of cancer-care infrastructure at NRGH will enable Island Health and BC Cancer to provide greater access to cancer care, treatment and diagnostics closer to home for people living in communities on central and north Vancouver Island," said Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins. "Having these cancer-care services available in Nanaimo will eliminate countless hours of travel time for many patients, significantly improving the patient experience, and bring life-saving cancer care to the central Island.”
The new cancer centre is expected to offer radiation therapy, an outpatient ambulatory care unit and a net new PET/CT machine. Construction will also include a new radiation-treatment space with four shielded treatment rooms for high-energy radiation-treatment linear accelerators, which deliver high-energy X-rays or electrons to the region of a patient's tumour.
Cancer care in Nanaimo is delivered through the community oncology network clinic at NRGH. There are also community oncology network cancer services available at the North Island Hospital campuses in Courtenay and Campbell River, as well as at the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan.
The cancer centre is a part of the Province’s 10-year B.C. cancer action plan, which outlines immediate steps to prevent, detect and treat cancers, delivering improved care for people facing cancer now while preparing for the growing needs of the future.
Island Health oncology facts
Services available at the outpatient care clinics in Island Health hospital community oncology network sites include
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an oncology clinic providing assessment, treatment and education;
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systemic (chemo) therapy;
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dedicated cancer pharmacies that prepare chemotherapy and other cancer-related prescriptions, as well as provide drug counselling and education; and
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access by telephone to a Victoria cancer centre based Indigenous patient liaison/advocate, social workers, dietitians and librarians.
Concept planning is a key part of the process that ensures the specific needs of the community are identified and addressed.
The business plan is expected to be approved in fall 2023.