The work has begun at the site of Saskatchewan’s new Breast Health Centre in Regina. A news release from the provincial government says the first phase is demolition at the site. The government announced previously investing $3.6 million for the Centre’s renovations, staffing and diagnostic equipment. Diagnostic imaging, consultation with specialists and surgeons, patient education, support and navigation will all be available at the Breast Health Centre.

Health Minister Everett Hindley says the Centre will also offer on-site access to post-treatment care, such as therapies and rehabilitation. He adds that family doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to provide a referral to the Breast Health Centre, instead of having to coordinate multiple referrals for patients, which will help reduce wait times. The doors are expected to open this fiscal year.

In a statement, the Official Opposition says they have been calling for better breast care for months but have no faith that the government will be able to fix the crisis they created, noting that women are waiting over a year or traveling to Calgary for basic mammograms.