Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre will benefit from a half-a-million-dollar donation from two local companies as it prepares for the installation of new radiation therapy equipment.

BF&M Limited and the Argus Group are each giving $250,000 to support the new BCHC building, which will house Bermuda’s first radiation facility.

Patients who require radiation can presently only get the treatment overseas.

John Wight, president and CEO of BF&M Limited, said: “As leading healthcare providers on the island, we have a responsibility to make a difference in the quality of treatment offered locally to our community.

“We commend Tara Curtis and her team at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre for leading the radiation therapy initiative and extend our wholehearted support, as this will now facilitate treatment being available to more residents, and provide relief to families who will be able to support their loved ones right here at home.”

Alison Hill, chief executive officer of the Argus Group, added: “We are proud to support Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre in their initiative to house Bermuda’s first radiation facility. “Providing this cutting-edge treatment in Bermuda delivers compelling treatment options for those dealing with cancer and as major healthcare insurers we are committed to improving the quality and access of care for our community.”

Tara Curtis, executive director of BCHC, said: “Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre truly appreciate the financial support received from BF&M and Argus in helping us to achieve this important Radiation Therapy Initiative. Over the past ten months, BCHC has worked closely with the Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre, which is ranked fourth in the USA for cancer care, for the design and construction of the facility and recently BCHC signed a contract for the Truebeam treatment system, the latest technology available for radiation therapy treatment.”