News release

Minister Tours Brachytherapy Suite at Nova Scotia

Health (to Jan. 2011)

HEALTH--Minister Tours Brachytherapy Suite at Nova Scotia Cancer Centre


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 health care for Nova Scotian families while also living within our means," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, who toured the facility today, 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.

Brachytherapy is a specialized form of radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Sherry Porter, chair of the QEII Foundation Board of Trustees, called the brachytherapy project a win-win situation.

"When partnerships and the vision of donors like Dean and Evelyn Salsman come together like they have for brachytherapy here at the QEII, everyone wins, especially cancer patients," said Ms. Porter.

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.

"This makes for a much more efficient procedure for the staff and the patient," said Dr. Paul Joseph, radiation oncologist for Capital Health. "Seeing patients going home after the procedure is exciting. Patients have complained for years about being confined to their beds for 5 days while undergoing brachytherapy treatments."

The suite opened in March and is set up to treat gynecological cancers, but can also treat prostate, breast and lung cancer.

When not being used for brachytherapy, the equipment can be used for other radiation therapy activities. It also allows for outpatient treatment, freeing up more beds in the hospital.