Cancer Clinic Set To open In Woodstock

Tuesday, 7 July 2020 06:21

A satellite medical oncology clinic will be launched at the Woodstock Hospital,and run every Thursday, starting this week.

WOODSTOCK - A satellite medical oncology clinic will be launched at the Woodstock Hospital this Thursday.

The clinic is being launched by the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and it will be overseen by Dr. Paul Stewart, who is the LHSC's medical oncologist, and it'll run every Thursday. Interim Vice President, Cancer Services at LHSC, Brenda Fleming says this will allow their cancer patients across the region to have a clinic that is closer to them.

“We are so pleased to be able to see patients at Woodstock Hospital through this partnership as we know that this type of decentralized model of care is both efficient and effective. Establishing satellite clinics allows us to provide many of our regional cancer patients with timely access to care that is closer to home, while also ensuring the London Regional Cancer Program building has the capacity to focus on the most acute patients requiring care.”

As a result, residents from Oxford County with a new cancer diagnosis could have their consultation, in addition to their treatment, and follow-up completed at Woodstock Hospital, rather than having to travel to London. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment for cancers has been offered at the Woodstock Hospital since the Chemotherapy Clinic opened in May 2012.

Patients still had to go to London for consultations and follow ups with specialists, however. Now, patients who have been referred may be able to have all of their care take place in Woodstock. Director of Pharmacy and Chemotherapy Clinic at Woodstock Hospital, Fatima VieiraCabral says they're happy to welcome Dr. Stewart to the facility.

“We welcome Dr. Stewart to our hospital and we are excited to share this positive news with patients, families and caregivers in our community. There is a lot of fear and anxiety that comes with cancer diagnosis, and we try our best to support patients as they navigate the complexities of this journey. Receiving care within their community and closer to home, is one small way to help ease their anxieties.”

Although approximately 120 patients may attend the clinic every year, it won't be right for all cancer patients. For those who have complex cancers, require radiation therapy, or who are taking part in clinical trials will still need to have treatment in London.