Mackenzie Health officially joined the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network yesterday, a unique collaboration aimed at enhancing clinical expertise, research and education in the fight against cancer. The partnership will strengthen access to quality cancer care close to home and provide more resources and supports for patients on their cancer journey.
Mackenzie Health is the seventh cancer program in Canada to join this network, alongside Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre, The Grand River Regional Cancer Program, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, Oak Valley Health, William Osler Health System, and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. “We believe that within this network, healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers will find comfort and confidence, knowing that their care is enriched by greater access to cutting-edge technologies available at one of the world’s leading cancer centres,” said Dr. Keith Stewart, VP Cancer, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, UHN and Director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
This year alone, nearly 250,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in Canada. That means roughly 675 people each day will hear those three life-altering words: “You have cancer.”
“Health care is a team sport – one that requires that we work together, share ideas and resources and learn from one another to put the needs of patients first,” says Mary-Agnes Wilson, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nurse Executive at Mackenzie Health. “By joining this network of local, regional and national partners, we will expand patients’ access to clinical trials, strengthen cancer survivorship programs, enhance patient education and resources, and help to develop the next generation of oncology specialists here in our community.”
With cases on the rise, the demand for high-quality, accessible oncology services continues to grow. Over the past four years, Mackenzie Health’s Oncology Clinic has expanded by nearly 30 per cent, now serving 80 to 100 patients daily with initial consults, follow-ups, infusion treatments and vital patient and pharmacy education.
“Cancer care is evolving rapidly and this collaboration ensures that our patients benefit from the latest innovations, expertise, and resources — right here, close to home,” says Mackenzie Health President and CEO Altaf Stationwala. “It also helps strengthen the education and training of our incredible oncology team — helping us deliver the highest standard of care now and in the future.”
Dr. Andrea Bezjak, Medical Director of the PM Cancer Care Network, added that the network is a way to move forward provincial oncology priorities at a local level. “Closer collaborations and knowledge exchange have been of benefit to other Network partners and we look forward to collaborating with teams at Mackenzie Heath.”