MONCTON (GNB) – A $4.5 million contract has been awarded for renovations at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital in Moncton to accommodate a new integrated breast health centre.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams announced today that Bird Construction Ltd. of Saint John has started renovations at the hospital's former boiler plant to accommodate the new 666 sq. metre (7,400 sq. foot) facility which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014.

“With these renovations, breast health services will be consolidated in a single location in the hospital to offer more collaborative, better co-ordinated care for patients,” Williams said. “The program will serve patients throughout the province and will complement the hospital's role as one of the province's two tertiary cancer centres.”

The new facility will continue a multi-disciplinary approach to care and will offer breast health services provided by the Vitalité Health Network.

“The centre's multi-disciplinary, region-wide approach is reflective of the provincial government’s plan to provide New Brunswickers with the highest-quality of care inside a sustainable health-care system,” said Health Minister Hugh Flemming.

Services will be offered in both official languages and will include screening, diagnostic imaging, clinical exam, and therapeutic services. The first floor will provide space for a family waiting room, examination and treatment rooms, two mammography suites, and an ultra sound biopsy room. The second floor will have office space to support the activities of the hospital's oncology centre. The contract also includes a connecting corridor to provide access from the hospital oncology centre to the breast health centre.

“We are happy to see the next phase of this important project underway,” said Richard Losier, Vitalité Health Network's chief of operations for the Beauséjour Zone. “This infrastructure is a much-anticipated addition that will allow even better care for our patients.”

Williams said another contract will be awarded in November for the demolition of the former Vanier school which will allow for an expansion of surgical services at the hospital in the future, and additional parking space for visitors and staff.

About 30 staff from the Vitalité Health Network will vacate the Vanier building and move to office space at the hospital as a result.

Meanwhile, planning is underway for an addition on the north end of the hospital to accommodate a new surgical suite. The 2013-14 capital budget included $1 million to develop program requirements and initiate architectural planning and design for its construction.


25-10-13