Nova Scotia inks deal with U.S. oncology company to improve cancer treatment
HALIFAX, N.S. — Nova Scotia Health has formed new partnerships with a United States-based company to give cancer patients across the province some of the first access to new technology to help combat the disease.
The 10-year oncology partnership inked with Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, will use artificial intelligence in digital imaging to supply Nova Scotia with state-of-the-art equipment, software and innovative programs, helping transform the way cancer treatment is delivered.
Direct partnership benefits include expansion of the provincial cancer screening and survivorship programs, improved diagnostics for earlier disease detection and more personalized, less invasive treatments leading to improved patient outcomes.
“Every Nova Scotian will be touched by cancer sometime in their lifetime – either they will receive a diagnosis, or a family member or friend will. When that happens, they need to know we have the tools to fight back,” said Nova Scotia Health president Karen Oldfield. “Our partnership with Varian means that Nova Scotia is not merely witnessing change; we are steering it, ensuring that every individual facing the challenges of cancer experiences the very best in care, compassion and innovation.”
Nova Scotia Health will invest up to $224 million in the project over the next decade, including $175 million for hardware, software, digital solutions and services, and $49 million for building renovations to accommodate new equipment and create new job positions as part of the expansion.
Varian has committed up to $50 million over the same period to open a new office in Halifax by mid-2024, expected to create at least 60 jobs, to develop a digital imaging concept around artificial intelligence.
