By Times Chronicle Staff
Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) is getting a $22 million expansion to its oncology clinic ahead of an expected increase in cancer incidence over the next 20 years.
The project, anticipated to be open to patients in November 2024, will more than double the capacity of the existing department and will provide an updated facility, the province said.
With the incidence of cancer estimated to increase in the Interior, an expanded oncology clinic will support the expected increase in demand for outpatient medical oncology services provided at PRH.
Announcing the funding this week, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, said the investment will enable patients and families across the region to receive oncology treatments and followup care closer to home.
“A newly renovated and modern cancer clinic space will provide the kind of healing space that we all know our residents need,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen.
“Beyond that, it will also support the critical need for recruitment and retention of more skilled health care professionals in our region, which is top of mind for all of us. So many families across the Interior will benefit and be given better options to receive care closer to home with our expanded oncology clinic, thanks to this huge capital investment in care.”
The enhanced care spaces will support patient care and improve working conditions for staff and physicians, added Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health.
The expansion is funded through a partnership between the Ministry of Health through Interior Health, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District and the SOS Medical Foundation.
The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District is contributing $3.2 million to the project, and the SOS Medical Foundation has kicked off the Better Care Better Outcomes campaign with the goal to raise $10 million to bring more cancer care closer to home for residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
Sally Ginter, CEO of SOS Medical Foundation said: “Our foundation is committed to working with our health partners and our donors to realize this vision. The communities in our region are generous, and I am confident that they will see the importance of this expansion and help us reach our fundraising goal of $10 million.”
The SOS Medical Foundation’s oncology campaign began with a $500,000 gift from Essio Truant, donated in memory of his late wife Dianne. Truant has since died.
“Expanding the oncology clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital is an important step forward for patients and staff,” said Martin Johansen, chair of Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District. “Increasing patient capacity and working conditions will ensure Penticton Regional Hospital continues to be a world-class health care facility.”
Planning is underway for the expansion and the existing clinic will remain open while the relocation and renovations take place.
