Hospitals seek isotope as Ottawa pushes to restart reactor
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - As hospital officials scramble to identify alternative sources of a crucial radioactive material used to diagnose and treat cancer patients, two federal government ministers have written the nuclear safety commission urging it to get the Chalk River reactor online.
The University Health Network recently received a generator which will supply isotopes to its hospitals as well as the Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai and Women's College.
Because that supply of isotopes is limited and has a short shelf life, the hospital network– comprised of Toronto General, Toronto Western and Princess Margaret – can only supply the hospitals December 11 with no future supply confirmed, said spokesperson Fiona Hill.
More is being sought. The shortage, caused by the shutdown of the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. reactor, could last until January.
Cancer Care Ontario, in charge of cancer services across the province, has contacted all cancer hospitals with a suggested list of treatment priorities and alternatives.
Health Minister Tony Clement and Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn said the "government has confirmed the parts and equipment required to complete the upgrade maintenance on the Chalk River facility has been expedited."
And in a letter they urged nuclear safety commission president Linda Keen to consider the health of Canadians in the decision on when the reactor will be restarted.
Related News
New York State to investigate sites for offshore wind projects
NEW YORK - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is investing up to $5.5 million for the collection of geophysical and geotechnical data to determine future offshore wind development sites.
The funding is to look at seabed soil and geological data for the preliminary design and installation requirements for future offshore wind projects. Its part of N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomos plan to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.
Todays announcement is another step in Governor Cuomos steadfast march to achieving 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, putting New York in a clear national leadership…