(Saint John) February 1, 2010 - A specialized bunker designed to house two new linear accelerators at the Saint John Regional Hospital is now available for patient use.

"We are very excited to have the new accelerators, which are used to provide radiation treatments for our cancer patients, up and running," said Dr. Margot Burnell, clinical department head of oncology at the Saint John Regional Hospital. "They will allow us to expand treatment options, enhance tumor imaging and radiation services, and increase our involvement in clinical research trials."

A linear accelerator is the equipment most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for cancer patients. It delivers a precise, high-energy X-ray beam to a patient's tumour. The beam destroys cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. The accelerator is housed in a room known as a bunker, with lead and concrete walls, so that X-rays do not escape.

"The completion of the bunker marks a major milestone in our efforts to continuously update and improve the radiation therapy services Horizon Health Network offers patients in Saint John and across New Brunswick," said Donald J. Peters, president and CEO of Horizon Health Network.

The total cost for the project is $8.4 million and was provided by the Department of Health's capital budget. Additional financial support to purchase furniture for the two new wait rooms and the Skyceilings in the vaults was provided by the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary and the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

The second phase of the project is currently underway and involves the creation of additional ambulatory clinic exam rooms and an electrical upgrade to existing equipment. Completion for the second phase is scheduled for April 2010.