On August 21, Dan Carriere, president and CEO Southlake Regional Health Centre, officially announced the start of the construction of the four-storey Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake — the centrepiece of the hospital’s regional cancer program.
“We’ve all heard the statistics; that almost one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime and those of us not personally affected will have a family member or friend who will be,” said Mr. Carriere. “This is a very exciting day. It represents a significant step in our journey to establish the most advanced cancer care services available in Canada for the residents of York Region and south Simcoe County.”
In addition to a number of Southlake staff, physicians and volunteers, the announcement was attended by approximately 75 invited guests, including the Honourable George Smitherman, minister of health and long-term care, who reinforced his government’s support for the project.
“It can be a difficult time when someone is diagnosed with cancer,” said Mr. Smitherman. “That’s why we are moving forward with this project at Southlake to ensure local residents have access to the cancer care they need closer to home. Today’s construction kick-off marks an important milestone in cancer care for the communities within York Region and south Simcoe County.”
The cost to establish a comprehensive regional cancer program at Southlake is estimated at $110 million. It includes:
• a new four-storey cancer centre on the corner of Prospect and Grace Streets
• the introduction of early detection screening for breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer within the new medical arts building, located on the corner of Davis Drive and Lundy’s Lane
• expanded services within the main hospital, including additional operating rooms and in-patient units to accommodate the increased number of cancer patients who will require surgery and admission to hospital
• the equipping of supportive care programs, such as psychosocial and palliative care services, so important to the mental wellness of cancer patients and their family members
Ninety per cent of construction costs for the new cancer centre building and some equipment costs will be paid for by the provincial government. This represents a tremendous contribution from the province and a vote of confidence for this important initiative.
The remaining costs for advanced equipment, expansions to accommodate the anticipated increases in cancer patients, equipping of new supportive care and screening programs and the balance of construction costs to complete the cancer centre will be covered by the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation’s $60 million Southlake...Count on Me community fundraising campaign, further described on page 24.
To mark the historical significance of the announcement, Mr. Carriere invited Minister Smitherman; Michael Sherar, vice-president regional programs, Cancer Care Ontario; Peter van Schaik, campaign chairperson Southlake... Count on Me campaign; and Kathy Proudfoot, York Region resident and cancer survivor to join him in a special dedication ceremony.
Capturing their signatures and hand imprints into concrete, the group dedicated the start of the construction to the more than one million residents of York Region and south Simcoe County who will benefit from having advanced cancer services available close to home. The concrete cast will be incorporated into a dedication sign that will be erected on the construction site and remain in place until the building opens in 2009.
“Three years ago today, I was diagnosed with cancer. To take part in today’s dedication ceremony for the regional cancer centre has been a very emotional experience for me,” said Mrs. Proudfoot, who was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at Southlake.
“From personal experience, I know how important it is to have cancer services available close to home. That’s why the hospital and foundation can count on me to support this important project.”