The provincial government will construct a two-storey addition to the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton to house an integrated breast care centre.

"The Vitalité Health Network wishes to consolidate its breast health services in a single location to offer more collaborative, better co-ordinated care for patients," said Health Minister Madeleine Dubé. "The provincial government will invest $8.5 million in this initiative, which will better serve patients throughout the health authority by integrating breast health services and offering them under one roof."

The facility will take a multi-disciplinary approach to care, and all of Vitalité's breast health services will be managed from it. Services will be offered in both official languages and will include screening, diagnostic imaging, clinical exam, surgery and therapeutic services.

"This new centre represents a new beginning for breast health services in the region, and it is a shining example of our commitment to invest in strategic infrastructure that improves quality of life for New Brunswickers," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.

The first level of the new addition will be used by the breast health centre. The second storey will provide office space to Vitalité Health Network staff currently housed at the Vanier School, which will be demolished to create 100 new parking spaces at the hospital.

"This announcement is the product of teamwork involving many stakeholders and parts of government, and its result will be more positive experiences for women with breast cancer and the personnel who care for them," said Joey Caissie, president and chief executive officer, Vitalité Health Network.

The centre is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. Architects Four Ltd. of Moncton has been engaged as the architect.

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