As part of the preparation for the reconstruction of the Latvian Oncology Center (LOC) of the Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS), three departments will be transferred to the updated premises of the 'Gaiļezers' hospital in January — the 14th department of vascular surgery, the 16th department of neurology, and the 3A department of oncology (head and neck surgery), reports LETA citing RAKUS.
The hospital emphasizes that the relocation is organized in a way that minimizes the impact on the daily lives of patients, with their safety and continuity of treatment remaining a priority.
From January 12 to 18, the relocation of the 14th department of vascular surgery will take place from the 8th floor of the first building to the 6th floor of the ninth building. The transportation of patients is scheduled for January 14. From this day, after 5:00 PM, the new department will be open for visits from relatives and for the delivery of packages. Due to the spread of influenza in the country, there are restrictions on visiting patients.
The relocation of the 16th neurology department is planned for January 19–25, with the transportation of patients on January 20. It will be moved from the 5th floor of the first building to the 3rd floor of the ninth building. Visitors will also be able to see patients and deliver items starting from January 20 after 5:00 PM.
The relocation of department 3A (oncological surgery of the head and neck) is scheduled for the period from January 26 to February 1. The exact date for the transportation of patients will be confirmed. The department will be moved from the 3rd floor of the current building of the Oncology Center to the 6th floor of the 'Gaiļezers' hospital.
Patients will be individually informed about the relocation dates of each department, and up-to-date information for relatives will be available through the hospital's information channels.
Starting January 19, a single phone line will be established for the convenience of patients and their relatives, operating 24/7, where they can obtain necessary information about the location of departments and the services provided.
RAKUS reminds that the current premises of the Oncology Center no longer meet modern requirements for treatment, safety, and technical systems, as well as standards for oncological care in Europe. The goal of the reconstruction is to create a safe and modern environment for cancer patients that meets the requirements of the 21st century within the next few years.
The reconstruction will cover the entire building — 10 floors with a total area of over 23,000 square meters — and will be carried out in stages. The project includes the creation of modern wards, treatment rooms, ventilation systems, and infection safety measures, as well as the installation of new equipment.
As reported, the construction work for the reconstruction of the Oncology Center, amounting to €52,628,934, will be carried out by a consortium of companies 'Newcom-Citrus'.
The reconstruction of the Oncology Center building will take place in two consecutive phases, providing for the gradual modernization of the infrastructure and improvement of the treatment environment.
The first phase includes the reconstruction of the operating block, intensive care unit, and related infrastructure, while the second phase will cover the remaining departments of the center.
The total amount needed for the complete reconstruction of the center with equipment is €81.26 million, of which €69.19 million is allocated for construction work and related expenses — supervision, author control, design, and others.
Full funding was secured in November last year. In May 2023, the head of the RAKUS oncological surgery clinic, Armand Siviņš, stated that delaying the reconstruction of the Oncology Center threatens the quality of treatment for cancer patients. In June, hospital staff demanded in a letter to officials that funds be allocated for the construction of infectious disease and lung disease buildings, as well as for the reconstruction of the Oncology Center, and to explain the resignation of the former chairman of the hospital's board, Normunds Stanevičs.
In June last year, patient organizations also demanded that the authorities set a clear timeline for the implementation of the Oncology Center reconstruction project. In particular, on June 17, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a picket organized by the breast cancer patient society 'Vita' took place in front of the government building, demanding the urgent and systematic reconstruction of the Oncology Center, thereby supporting the appeal of the institution's staff.
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