District Cancer Centre for Southwest Nova Scotia Announced

Today Health Minister Chris d’Entremont announced funding support for the development of a district cancer centre for South West Health.  The new cancer centre will provide a better environment for cancer patients and families by grouping all cancer related services in one location.

“Cancer has touched us all and dealing with this dreaded disease is stressful,” says Chris d’Entremont. “By providing $450,000 for the development of the South West Health Cancer Centre, the Government of Nova Scotia is helping to relieve some of that stress by providing enhanced services and care for cancer patients and their families.”

South West Health currently operates a district oncology unit at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, however space is limited.  Cancer-related services are offered but are scattered throughout the hospital.

“We are looking forward to a more comfortable and convenient atmosphere for patients and families as well as for the health professionals who work in the space everyday,” says Blaise MacNeil, CEO, South West Health. 

“This new centre will house 10 chemotherapy chairs (an increase from the current 5), and will allow us to bring together all of the various cancer services housed in different parts of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital complex,” says Cathy Blades, vice president of clinical care for South West Health. 

“We hope that the new centre will help us attract more visiting oncology specialists to provide better access to more services closer to home,” says MacNeil.  Currently cancer services are supported by two visiting oncologists from the provincial cancer program.  Dr. Mary Davis, medical oncologist and Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst, radiation oncologist work closely with district staff to provide consultation, treatment, supportive care and follow-up on the patients of the district.

"This is great news for patients and staff at our Regional Health Center, and I congratulate the District Health Authority for pursuing the initiative," said Yarmouth MLA Richard Hurlburt. "Doubling the number of treatment chairs and locating all treatment services in one area will mean faster and more efficient service. This is a great example of our Government doing more for our residents and communities."

Work on the Cancer Centre is expected to begin in the next few months