Cancer patients in Grand Falls-Windsor and surrounding areas will now receive their treatment in a bright, new spacious environment with the opening of the new Grand Falls-Windsor Cancer Centre today. The new centre was officially opened by the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services; Frank Davis, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, Eastern Health; Rosemarie Goodyear, interim CEO, Central Health; and Brad Gushue, honourary chair, Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation.

"Cancer has touched each and every one of us in some way, whether it�s through our own personal battle with the disease or that of a loved one," said Premier Williams. "Our government recognizes the devastating impacts that this disease has on individuals and their families and we are committed to improving services and the quality of life for people living with cancer in our province through investments in prevention and treatment. This new facility will provide a more comfortable, spacious environment for cancer patients and their families, and will help make their lives a little easier during this difficult time."

Patient visits at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre are projected to increase from 1,300 in 2002/03 to 3,000 in 2006/07. The former Grand Falls-Windsor Cancer Clinic consisted of four small rooms with crowded space and a lack of patient privacy and confidentiality.

"This new cancer centre, along with the recently opened Cancer Centre Gander, has enhanced cancer services for residents in the central region of our province," said Minister Osborne. "We are also committed to continuing the fight against cancer over the long term. Over 2,300 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in our province this year. Through increased investments in cancer prevention and continued cooperation with stakeholders on a new Provincial Cancer Control Strategy, we will continue to promote the importance of early detection and work to reduce cancer rates in our province."

The new centre has been built adjacent to the existing diagnostic imaging department of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, and will better meet patient needs and improve quality of life for patients. The 4,200 foot extension includes a large treatment room that can accommodate up to eight patients, four examination rooms, a large waiting area, a quiet room/library, and an atrium. The cancer centre is operated by Eastern Health, as part of the provincial cancer care program, in partnership with Central Health.

"Eastern Health is committed to providing the people of this province with quality cancer care and we continue to work collaboratively to improve upon the services we provide to our clients," said Mr. Davis. "Many patients in the community of Grand Falls-Windsor have come to depend on our Cancer Care Program. This new centre will enhance privacy for our patients and their families and provide a warm friendly environment that is comfortable for them."

The Central Regional Health Authority provides comprehensive community and institutional based services to a population of 100,926 residents.

"No matter what type of illness or treatment an individual is working through, accessing services within a reasonable distance from one�s home allows the patient to stay near their support group of family and friends," said Ms. Goodyear. "As a client-focused organization we know that providing high quality cancer care and treatment in a comfortable setting is of great benefit to the clients we serve. In partnership with Eastern Health, we are pleased to offer this service at both regional referral centres in central Newfoundland."

The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation raised $73,000 from individuals, businesses and service groups for the purchase of all of the equipment and furnishings for the new cancer centre.

"The support from the community has been overwhelming. We are sincerely grateful to all those who contributed to this fundraising project. Every donor and volunteer should be applauded for their commitment and support which will mean so much to cancer patients and their families," said Mr. Gushue. "Our fundraising goals are also on target for the atrium and Garden of Hope that will officially open in the summer of 2007."

Government announced $1.55 million in April 2005 to enhance cancer services in the central region of the province, including the construction of new cancer centres in Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander. The new Cancer Centre Gander officially opened in July 2006. In addition, government invested $15.6 million in Budget 2006 in cancer prevention and treatment. This includes the construction of two new bunkers to house two new radiation machines at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Centre in St. John�s; strengthened resources to prevent cancer and expand the Cervical Screening Program into the Eastern and Labrador-Grenfell regions; the addition of a new breast screening centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and expansion of the existing breast screening centre in St. John�s along with program enhancements for breast and other cancers; and the addition of new drugs for cancer treatment.

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