Cancer Care Public Consultation Closer

Friday, January 06, 2006 09:35 AM

Preparations are being made for public consultations on Northern B.C. Cancer Care.

A consultant has been hired says UNBC President Charles Jago, who, along with Northern Health CEO Jeff Burghardt, will develop the final report.

“We are working with a consultant to develop the background for the public sessions” says Jago “We expect to visit all the major communities in the North through March and April, then have a draft report ready for mid May, and the final report in the Premier’s hands by the end of June”

The end of June is also when Jago will step down from his post as President of the University. “It is important to me that I complete this before I leave office” he says, “but it’s more important that the people of the North have a plan that will improve cancer care.”

Although much attention has been focused on radiation therapy and a desire to have such services offered in the north, Jago says the report won’t be limited to that aspect “We are working very closely with the BC Cancer Agency to develop a plan that will look at all aspects of treatment.”

This final report will build on the Northern Cancer Program report presented to Northern Health in November. That report resulted in the Northern Health Board adopting a seven point action plan:
1. Continue development of the Northern Health Tobacco Control Strategy
2. Work to plan and budget expansion in mammography screening program for 2006/07
3. Reduce time involved to diagnosis for Breast cancer
4. Complete external review of current cancer services in northern B.C.
5. Participate in planned public consultations to examine community support for a northern Cancer Centre
6. Work with the Ministry of Health to prepare staff requirements, operational finances, and strategies pertaining to radiation therapy
7. Continue palliative care team program development

The public consultation process is operating on a $300,000.00 budget announced by the
Premier last year

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 09:35 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: Gofaster on January 6 2006 5:44 PM

more consultations...this town seems to run on consultations...nothing gets done but a lot of money gets spent...soemone is gaining on this...I wonder whom?

Posted by: Percy on January 7 2006 8:29 AM

One would think that were not sure if we need a cancer clinic yet.

It seems we proved that when we were competing with Kelowna the last time. The footings were already in and we were sitting in PG with baited breath waiting for the announcement who was going to get the clinic.

Why do we have to wait for more consultation and spending another $300,000?

The incidence of cancer is rampant in this area. The financial demands on families and the loss of wages must far exceed the cost of the clinic.

Surely to goodness the BC Cancer Agency already has a plan that covers all aspects of treatment.

Where on earth is all of that money we raise for cancer each year going?

I say look at the results of our existing health care strategy and ask yourself if the direction we are going is working? I think not. Percy