Oncology

New brachytherapy suite for women in Halifax

HALIFAX – Women are getting more comfortable and more efficient treatment for gynecological cancer in a new brachytherapy suite at Nova Scotia Cancer Centre in Halifax. The suite was made possible through a private donation and a partnership between the Department of Health, QEII Foundation and Capital Health.

“This suite helps us provide better healthcare for Nova Scotian families while also living within our means,” said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, who toured the facility July 22. “This will free up operating room time and reduce the number of patients that need to be admitted to hospital so it will indirectly reduce the wait times of other patients.”

Dean and Evelyn Salsman donated $1 million to the QEII Foundation to establish the brachytherapy suite and the Department of Health provided just under $1 million.

It is the first dedicated brachytherapy suite in Canada that combines the services and equipment necessary for a patient to be treated in one room. Before, a patient would need to go through three areas, including the operating room for general anesthetic, to receive treatment.

Posted August 26, 2010