The province has come up with $30,000 to expand Eastern Health’s radiation therapy program over the next two years.

The money will be used for education-related items including student fees, tuition and books.

It will also allow Eastern Health to double its capacity to support students in the program, “ensuring adequate supply, recruitment and retention of radiation therapists.”

Eastern Health has partnered with the Michener Institute in Toronto to place qualifying students from this province into the radiation therapy program there.

However, government noted radiation therapy services are included in the planning for the new hospital in Corner Brook, which will have an expanded cancer care program including increased systemic therapy services and new radiation therapy services.

Health Minister Tom Osborne touted the funding as another initiative to address staff shortages in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our commitment is to provide a high quality of care for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Health Minister Tom Osborne. “That includes improving radiation therapy services throughout the province.

“We are committed to health programs that focus on the social determinants of health and improving the healthiness of our people.”