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News Release

Patients in Ottawa to Receive Cancer Care Faster and Closer to Home
McGuinty Government Improving Cancer Treatment for Ontarians


News Release Printable Version [PDF]

May 1, 2008

NEWS

Up to 400 patients a year from the Ottawa area will receive cancer treatment faster from a new mobile radiation unit at The Ottawa Hospital.

Ottawa-area patients have been treated for radiation at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, but Ottawa has had long radiation wait times for some time. The new mobile radiation unit will help to further reduce wait times for cancer patients, especially from the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. The machine will be the second mobile radiation unit in Ontario.

The $5.4 million mobile radiation unit will operate during the construction of the new Queensway Carleton Hospital Cancer Clinic. This includes over $1.9 million for the purchase of the new radiation treatment machine, which will be moved into the new cancer clinic when construction is complete.

The radiation unit in Ottawa began serving cancer patients on April 8, 2008.

QUOTES

“Mobile capacity adds flexibility to cancer care delivery for Ontarians,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “It’s exciting for us to be here in Ottawa to move forward with the expansion of this radiation unit. It will ultimately help to reduce wait times and improve access to quality health care for all.”

“We are delighted the government is supporting cancer care for the Ottawa region,” said Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital. “The mobile radiation unit is an innovative solution to provide more treatment for communities in need.”

“The new bunker means patients in our communities will have improved access to cancer treatment,” said Dr. Robert Cushman, Champlain LHIN CEO.

QUICK FACTS
  • 172 Ontarians are diagnosed with cancer every day.
  • The Ottawa Hospital handles about 193,684 cancer patient visits each year.
  • There are 84 permanent and 2 mobile radiation units operating in Ontario.
LEARN MORE

Learn the latest on cancer care in Ontario.

Backgrounder :

Members of the media :

Laurel Ostfield, 416-212-4048
Minister's Office

John Yoannou, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care


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