Updated: Friday, November 24, 2006

FVC Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic (LABC) is now accepting patients

The FVC has commenced its LABC to care for patients who have locally advanced breast cancer and referred from Family Practitioners and General Surgeons within the whole of the Fraser Health Region. Patients may be referred for care from the time of first discovery of a large abnormality in the breast by clinical examination. This clinic provides multi-disciplinary care by a team that includes Medical and Radiation Oncologists, General Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons and a Nurse Navigator/Coordinator. This clinic ensures that patients receive care in an expedited manner and New Patient Referral appointment times are reserved every Thursday afternoon. Support is provided throughout their care from patient's first visit when they are assessed and have a core biopsy, through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and reconstruction (if desired). The Nurse Navigator is the point contact for information and support. Should you have any questions regarding this new service, please contact the Breast Cancer Care Coordinator at (604) 707 5900 x 4956 or via email at LABC contact. Please also refer to details on eligibility and patient referral process.

Fraser Valley Centre - North Clinic

The FVC has been in need of extra space for some time and we are pleased to announce the opening of our extension right across from our current location on 96th and 137 St. The premises, the North Clinic, consists of an ambulatory clinic and offices. For detailed directions including parking lots please refer to our location map .

Chemotherapy and Pharmacy Renovations

The much awaited expansion of the Chemotherapy Room and Pharmacy at the Fraser Valley Centre started in June 2006 and was completed in May 2007. These renovations were needed to meet the growth in cancer care needs in the Lower Mainland especially in the Fraser Valley area. The Chemotherapy Room was increased by 9 treatment spaces to a total of 23 (20 chemo chairs and 3 stretchers). The new Chemotherapy Room has been designed with additional space around each chair for increased patient comfort and workspace for staff.

The Pharmacy has also undergone renovations to expand its size and function. Of particular significance is the addition of two additional biological safety cabinets for mixing chemotherapy. These much needed cabinets have increased the amount of chemotherapy that can be prepared at any time in the pharmacy. With the increased space in the Chemotherapy Room and Pharmacy more patients will be accommodated within the center for chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy major equipment replacement

The Radiation Therapy equipment, with the exception of one linear accelerator, was installed when the centre opened in 1995. Starting July 2005 we embarked on a major replacement program encompassing the replacement of three linear accelerators, one CT Simulator and a Simulator. Each Linear Accelerator takes around six months to replace and commission for clinical use and requires considerable renovations to the room in which it is housed. The last accelerator to be replaced is due to go into service at the beginning of April 2007. Fraser Valley will then be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment including four Varian Linear Accelerators, a Philips Big Bore CT Simulator, a Varian Acuity Digital Simulator, Cobalt Unit and High and Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy units. To avert a wait list for Radiation Therapy patients while this project continues, the hours of operation for Radiation Therapy have been extended to 8pm. This will continue until the replacements are complete.

BC Cancer Foundation - Fraser Valley

For infomation on current fundraising events in the community please refer to the BC Cancer Foundation - Fraser Valley website.