Health and Community Services
May 22, 2014
Investments in Health Technology Benefit Families and Communities
$25 Million Contract Awarded for Construction of New Molecular Imaging Facility
A contract valued at approximately $25 million has been awarded to construct the new Molecular Imaging Facility at the Health Sciences Complex in St. John’s. The overall project will see the consolidation of Eastern Health’s nuclear medicine services in one location and the addition of the province’s first PET/CT scanner and medical cyclotron, which will enhance the treatment and diagnosis of cancers and other illnesses.
“Ensuring access to top-quality health care requires an investment in new technologies and streamlining services. With the addition of a PET/CT scanner, medical cyclotron and the consolidation of nuclear medicine services, we will improve our diagnostic capabilities and the services we provide to the people of the province. The $25 million contract is part of an overall project investment worth approximately $40 million that will provide new services, research and teaching opportunities and assist with recruitment efforts for physicians.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Health and Community Services
The contract to construct the new building has been awarded to Pomerleau Inc. Once complete, the facility will allow for the consolidation of nuclear medicine services in Eastern Health, house the province’s first PET/CT scanner and medical cyclotron, and provide space for future expansion of the Cancer Care Program. The facility will be designed to meet the requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver level certification.
“Eastern Health is pleased to be one step closer to launching the Molecular Imaging Program, which will have a profound impact on the delivery of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Molecular Imaging Program will provide our patients with access to leading-edge medical equipment, including a PET/CT scanner that will enhance our ability to detect and treat various conditions. Patients will no longer need to leave the province to avail of this life-saving technology that will improve patient outcomes, especially for cancer patients.”
- Don Keats, Interim President and CEO of Eastern Health
The Molecular Imaging Program is anticipated to be in full operation by 2016. Further information about the program can be found at www.easternhealth.ca/OurServices.
QUICK FACTS
- A $25 million contract has been awarded to Pomerleau Inc. to construct the Molecular Imaging Facility at the Health Sciences Complex in St. John’s.
- The overall project is worth approximately $40 million and includes the consolidation of nuclear medicine services in Eastern Health, the addition of the province’s first PET/CT scanner and a medical cyclotron, and space for future expansion of the Cancer Care Program.
- A PET/CT scanner is a vital diagnostic tool most commonly used to detect, assess and treat cancers. This technology is also used for the assessment of cardiac disease and diagnosis of some neurological disorders.
- The facility will be designed to meet the requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver level certification.
- The Molecular Imaging Program is anticipated to be in full operation by 2016.
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Media contacts:
| Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Jackie O’Brien Media Relations Manager Eastern Health 709-777-1339 jackie.obrien@easternhealth.ca |
2014 05 22 1:00 p.m.