Cancer Treatment Issues To Be Focus of Forums
By 250 News
Wednesday, November 02, 2005 02:01 PM
Northern Health Region Chair, Jeff Burghardt and UNBC President Charles Jago, address media questions about their consultation plans
We are still a couple of weks away from haring the details of the Northern Health Progresss Report on the development of a northern cancer control and treatment strategy, but the next step in the process is being planned.
North Health Chair, Jeff Burghardt, and UNBC Prsident Charles Jago have announced their public consultation process will start in the new year.
Through January, February, March and April of the new year, there will be public consultation through focus groups and public forums, to identify the cancer treatment concerns, and needs of Northerners.
"We already know Northerners have poorer outcomes when it coms to cancer, but we don't know if that is because patients are seeking treatment at later stages of the disease or if the levels of service in the north are more difficult to access" says Northern Health Chair Jeff Burghardt.
There is a great deal of public support in the Prince George region to develop a radiation treatment center her, however, Burghardt says there is a bigger picture that needs to be examined. "We have to see if we have the necessary lab expertise, chemotherapy programs, surgical services, family support and palliative care services that are all connected to radiation therapy".
There is no guarantee that if a full cancer care centre was approved that it would be built in Prince George. "I am a resident of Prince Rupert, but I have a responsibilty to all of the people of north." says Burghardt.
UNBC President Charles Jago says he hopes a final report will be ready in May of the new year and that it will be presented to Northern Health, the Premier and the Ministry of Health. "I don't think anyone is satisfied with the level of services we have now, but we hope to hear some positive, bold ideas that will exite the imagination of the people." says Jago.
The progress report that will be presented to Northern Health at the regional meeting later this month, is expected to provide the building blocks for improved cancer care in the region.
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Posted by: trueblue2 on November 3 2005 8:51 AM
I honestly do not think exciting the imagination of the people is what it is all about. It is about getting equitable and proper access to service.
Getting excited does not diagnose or treat anyone's cancer! Get proper services in place ASAP does!
A good start would be to immediately fund travel costs as part of the health service.
Why? because of this statement: "We already know Northerners have poorer outcomes when it coms to cancer, but we don't know if that is because patients are seeking treatment at later stages of the disease or if the levels of service in the north are more difficult to access"
The way to find out is to assume access is the reason until it is determined otherwise.
Do we want people to stay in the North? Provide better service. Northerners are feeding the rest of the province. It is a no brainer.