An expansion that roughly quadrupled the size of a cancer care centre in Russell has been completed. In a release, Prairie Mountain Health announced the $2.5 million project had been completed and celebrated with a grand opening ceremony yesterday.
“We’re so proud of the exceptional quality of care delivered by Cancer Care here in Russell, and this expansion project will only improve that quality of care for patients,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care Uzoma Asagwara. “Thank you to the dedicated community members who worked to make this expansion a reality. Your hard work will help more Manitobans hear those four amazing words: ‘you are cancer-free’.”
Of the $2.5 million necessary for the expansion, $700,000 came from the province, but most of it was raised by Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee.
“After almost 10 years of fundraising for a new cancer care unit at the Russell Health Centre, we are delighted that this long-awaited project is now a reality,” said Gloria Tibbatts, co-chair, ECCC committee. “Our dream has been fulfilled, and the benefits will serve many. We would like to thank the people from around our region who have supported us. The power of community and of our donors is what made this possible, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
There is still one aspect of the construction left to complete: a new community cancer centre parking lot. The parking lot, which the Expanding Community Cancer Committee is completely funding, is due to be completed this October.
According to the release, the regional health authority will contribute annual operating costs related to the expansion, including staffing and supplies.
