For Immediate Release

September 15, 2006

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENING CANCER TREATMENT IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS

Funding Will Provide Leading Edge Radiation Treatment Equipment

KINGSTON -  The McGuinty government is investing $3.58 million so that the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario is provided with state-of-the-art equipment for radiation treatment MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman.

“Today’s announcement of funding towards cancer radiation treatment will ensure that the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario is able to offer cancer patients access to the latest radiation therapy in their fight against cancer,” said Gerretsen.

The $3.58 million announced today will be used by Cancer Care Ontario to upgrade or replace Linear Accelerators, watertank replacements related to Linear Accelerators and Radiation Clinical Information System Enhancements. The funding is part of the government’s $33.13 million investment in new equipment for cancer centres across the province.

“In the fight against cancer, it’s crucial that we stay ahead when it comes to outfitting our Cancer Centres with the latest technologies,” said Smitherman. “We are committed to reducing wait times and increasing the quality of cancer care patients receive in Ontario.”

There are 11 cancer centres across Ontario, which provide cancer patients with quality care and a seamless access to health care services. These cancer centres are the sole providers of radiation therapy for cancer patients in Ontario. Radiation wait times have steadily improved because of investments in cancer centres, new equipment and better planning. Median radiation wait times have dropped from 6.6 weeks in 2003 to 4.1 weeks in 2006 - a 38 per cent reduction. From spring 2005 to spring 2006, wait times for radiation treatment were reduced by 11per cent. 

“Patients who receive care at the Cancer Care of Southeastern Ontario at KGH know there is something special about our services and the people who provide them,” said Joe de Mora, President & Chief Executive Officer of KGH. “For people fighting cancer, today’s announcement and the redevelopment of the centre means we will be better equipped to provide improved access to high quality treatment.”

This is just the latest example of the McGuinty government’s commitment to fighting cancer.  Other initiatives include:

Today’s initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

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