The Government of Alberta announced that the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research facility, will begin welcoming patients later this month.
“Every life lost to cancer is one too many. For those living with cancer and the family and friends who care for them, the opening of the Arthur Child is a move forward and a point of hope. This centre will not only provide needed cancer care as a world-class research facility, it will also focus on prevention and early detection that we hope will one day lead to a future without cancer.” said Premier Danielle Smith.
On Oct. 28, one of the largest government infrastructure projects in the province’s history, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child), will officially open services to patients. The Arthur Child has an extensive scope and integration of cancer care services, making it one of the most advanced cancer centres in the world. The centre will open in phases to ensure that the final stages of quality assurance around every aspect of the building are carried out.
“Alberta’s government will continue to do everything it can to prevent future cancer cases and to improve treatment and outcomes. This world-class facility was designed to meet the needs of today while preparing for the future, ensuring Albertans receive the highest level of care possible,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.
With 127,000 square metres of space, including 160 inpatient beds and more than 9,200 square metres dedicated to research, the Arthur Child will provide world-leading care and treatment to patients while driving innovation and working towards a future without cancer. As the cancer care centre for all of southern Alberta, the new Arthur Child has been built to be significantly larger than the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
“Opening the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre is a monumental milestone for cancer patients and their families. This project brought together engineers, patient advisers and medical professionals to create a facility that will affect the lives of Albertans for years to come,” said Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure.
The Arthur Child was created with input from cancer patients and their families. Since 2014, patient and family advisers have volunteered more than 4,800 hours to help bring the project from conception to completion.
“This facility is a result of Cancer Care Alberta’s deep dedication to patient-centred care. Designed with our patients’ active involvement, every detail reflects their needs and aspirations. It’s more than just a structure; it’s a beacon of hope where compassionate care meets cutting-edge technology,” said Athana Mentzelopoulos, president and CEO, Alberta Health Services.
The Arthur Child offers both inpatient and outpatient services, placing patients at the centre of a multidisciplinary health system. Research at the facility will focus on prevention, early detection, patient-centred treatment, supportive care and patient experiences and outcomes.
“The excellence in care and research at the Arthur Child is an illustration of the incredible generosity of Albertans. Community support through the OWN Cancer fundraising campaign has helped bring the vision of this world-class facility to life and will transform cancer care in Alberta,” said Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation.
“The future is brighter for cancer patients in Calgary, Canada and beyond thanks to the research that will happen at the Arthur Child and its translation into better treatments, better patient experiences and better patient outcomes,” said Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary.
Featured image: (Alberta Health Services)