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Just like when cancer survivors reach a milestone in their treatment, a bell rang in celebration of Regina’s new Breast Health Centre on Monday.
The centre at 128-1621 Albert Street, will open its doors to patients on April 23.
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The facility promises a one-stop shop for patients to get the care they need in one building, including diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, post-operation treatment therapy and rehabilitation. It will take about 1,600 referrals a year.
The facility includes rooms where mammography and ultrasound procedures can take place. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
Brianna Bolduc, a breast cancer survivor, rang the bell that signalled the grand opening.
“I don’t think that I can accurately express how big of a difference this is going to make for a lot of people,” she said.
When she was undergoing treatment, Bolduc said accessing care in several different places was overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
“I truly feel like the new centre is going to add a sense of comfort and ease anxieties in a time that’s very difficult for many people,” she said.
In February, Bolduc celebrated her five-year, cancer-free anniversary.
Bolduc said she appreciated the centre was created to be a welcoming space for clients dealing with scary health situations. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said he believes the centre will improve wait times for people seeking treatment.
“I think having something that’s outside of a hospital setting, under one roof to streamline that patient experience, is so important,” Cockrill said.
The provincial government spent $8.5 million to cover the cost of renovations, diagnostic equipment and staffing for the new centre.
Patients still given access for breast diagnostics in Calgary
Cockrill said the provincial government will not be ending its deal with Clearpoint Health Network in Calgary, Alberta, for patients to receive breast cancer diagnostics.
“We’re going to continue that contract with Clearpoint until the expiration of that contract,” he said. “That’s another opportunity for access and I think we owe it to the women of the province to have all options available.”
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the Breast Health Centre should improve wait lists. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
The province originally began sending patients on an urgent wait list out of province for breast cancer diagnosis’ to shorten long wait times. It extended the contract with the radiology clinic in February until March 2026.
Since November 2023, Cockrill said 600 women have been referred for mammograms in Calgary, with 515 leaving the province for the screening.
He said it was the provincial government’s goal to eventually end the contract.
NDP critic for rural and remote health Meara Conway said no commitment from the government to cut the contract sends the wrong signal.
“If there was confidence that we are creating the capacity here at home to care for Saskatchewan women, you would expect some clear plans to end that agreement,” she said.
NDP allege ‘lies’ about Breast Health Centre staffing
In order to fully staff the centre, the NDP said leaked messages show the government is “quietly reassigning” staff from Pasqua Hospital’s Breast Assessment Centre.
The NDP said one of the messages warned the Pasqua centre would not exist in a month, with staff being moved.
Conway said the provincial government isn’t telling the full truth about the number of new hires.
“We’re concerned there’s a lot of spin going on here,” she said. “We’re concerned about the Sask. Party’s track record in terms of these new announcements, so we will be watching this very closely.”
The facility should open with staff ready to accept patients, according to Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
Cockrill said there is a combination of new and transferred workers at the facility. Four positions will be moved over from the Pasqua centre and 13 new hires will begin at the Breast Health Centre.
He said he doesn’t expect any disruptions at Pasqua with staff being reassigned.
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