Northern Manitoba cancer patients are promised access to enhanced treatment and care starting later this year.
The Northern Health Region’s Regional Cancer Program hubs are set to open in The Pas and Thompson.
Community cancer program hub services will continue to be offered in Flin Flon and will link to the regional hub services in The Pas and Thompson.
The expanded services will include two full-time nurse navigators working out of The Pas and Thompson. Additional services will be provided by a psychosocial oncology clinician, family physicians with a specialty in oncology, as well as a clerk and a community liaison.
“Efforts to make this difficult journey for patients and families experiencing a cancer diagnosis smoother and barrier-free are greatly enhanced with the nursing and social worker supports the hubs provide,” said Helga Bryant, CEO of the Northern Health Region. “We will welcome these new resources and the support they will provide once they are established in Thompson, The Pas / Flin Flon and outlying communities throughout the region.”
The provincial government had pledged so-called cancer hubs across Manitoba as part of its approach to helping patients recover.
All front-line staff will receive training from CancerCare Manitoba and will support patients at critical points throughout their treatment.
The experts who staff cancer hubs will work with local health care providers and patient navigators to coordinate prompt diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for patients.
“When someone is faced with a cancer diagnosis, it’s important they have quick access to treatment and information,” said Health Minister Erin Selby. “The new cancer hubs will be made up of care providers working together to help people across the North get the care they need, when they need it and closer to home.”
It will cost up to approximately $770,000 annually for the front-line staff to support cancer patients in the region, Selby said.
