Jewish General Hospital - Press releases

2012/07/17

JGH Breast Centre relocates to new facilities to improve patient care and reduce stress

Having to endure a long wait for a diagnosis after a breast examination can be extremely stressful. In fact, the examination itself can even be a source of anxiety if it takes place in cold, clinical surroundings. However, the environment is now warmer than ever and the waiting times are getting shorter at the newly relocated and expanded Breast Referral and Investigation Centre at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH). For many patients (most of them women), this is the only place they will have to visit for vital diagnostic tests.

The Centre, which has just moved into fully renovated facilities on the tenth floor of Cummings Pavilion E (just above the Segal Cancer Centre), is designated by the Quebec government as a CRID, a Centre de référence et d’investigation désigné. It brings together surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals to perform mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies and to discuss the results in calm, comfortable surroundings. The recent expansion means that Centre can now see 30% to 40% more patients, and halve waiting times for non-urgent cases from about six months to just three months.

“This setup allows one physician to address all of the relevant medical questions in a single visit, while standardizing the way patients are prepared for surgery,” says Dr. André Lisbona, Director of the Breast Centre. “The process is more efficient and effective, and it reduces the number of visits that patients must make, creating a much easier process overall.”

Access to new forms of technology is also improved, with the addition of some of the most advanced breast cancer detection technology, including an ultrasound machine and two digital radiographic units. This enables doctors to conduct tomosynthesis, a new type of test that is similar to mammography, but permits the manipulation of highly focused three-dimensional images throughout the breast.

Tomosynthesis is a significant improvement, explains Dr. Lisbona, because the imaging can be completed in a single sitting, rather than having the patient come in repeatedly. As a result of this heightened precision and efficiency, improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality are expected from the earlier detection of disease.

"The new facilities for the Breast Referral and Investigation Centre have been designed not just to house the most sophisticated and accurate technology, but to provide patients with an atmosphere of calm and comfort at a very stressful time in their lives," says Dr. Hartley Stern, JGH Executive Director. "Also, the upgraded facilities represent a highly efficient and cost-effective means of providing prompt care while meeting the medical needs of ever-increasing numbers of patients."

In addition to its clinical advantages, the layout of the new Centre is spacious and welcoming, with a warm atmosphere, a relaxing feel and a great deal of natural light. The large waiting room and dedicated private rooms—where doctors and nurses can sit comfortably and speak with patients—help reduce anxiety and stress for patients and their loved ones, says Dr. Lisbona. “When you’re here, you don’t feel like you’re visiting a hospital. Instead, you feel at peace.”

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Contact:

Glenn J. Nashen, Director
Astrid Morin, Media Relations
Public Affairs and Communications
Jewish General Hospital
Tel.: 514-340-8222 ext. 4612
Email: amorin@jgh.mcgill.ca
Website: jgh.ca