Northern Health and the BC Cancer Agency are pleased to announce the official opening of the new Breast Imaging Clinic at UHNBC in Prince George.
The Clinic brings together new, state-of-the-art digital mammography and ultrasound equipment and a dedicated team of radiologists and technologists, enabling women to have their screening mammograms and, if required, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds in one location. This will improve access to services, and result in less time between screening, and diagnosis and treatment.
This $2.585 million project is the result of funding from:
- The BC Cancer Agency’s Screening Mammography Program and the Ministry of Health - $2.037 million
- Spirit of the North Health Care Foundation - $548,000
The project also included significant renovations to the fourth floor at UHNBC; installing digital mammography equipment and the supporting equipment to offer complete screening and diagnostic services.
The Provincial Breast Health Strategy’s improvements to breast cancer screening for northern BC residents has recently seen state-of-the-art digital mammography units installed at hospitals in Quesnel, Dawson Creek, Terrace and Prince Rupert; a unit is also slated for Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.ca or follow on Twitter @BCCancer_Agency.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow on Twitter @PHSAofBC.
Quotes:
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
“Today’s announcement is good step towards providing the kind of quality public health care that people in Northern B.C. deserve. By offering screening mammograms with rapid diagnosis in one location, we’re removing the added stress of waiting, and helping to save lives.”
Janette Sam, BC Cancer Agency Screening Mammography Program Operations Director
“The Breast Imaging Clinic at UHNBC centralizes breast imaging services to patients in the Prince George region, which will not only reduce wait times for access, but also the time from screening to diagnosis and treatment.”
Judy Neiser, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation
“Working together with those who support us and believe in better healthcare in the North, this was a campaign we could embrace together. Few of us go through life without being touched by someone close to us, who has taken a journey through breast cancer, or a breast cancer scare. We are very proud of the impact this will have for our donors.”