PRINCE GEORGE – Patients and communities in Northern British Columbia will benefit from new videoconferencing technology that will deliver greater access to cancer care professionals and oncology specialists.

“One of the primary considerations of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy is to reduce stress for families as they deal with this challenging disease. One way to do that is to provide as many services as possible closer to home,” said Prince George - Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “The use of TeleOncology will do just that by having communities linked through telehealth where cancer patients can consult with oncologists via video and receive cancer care and education.”

“Videoconference consultations are an efficient way for patients far outside of major centres to see specialists,” said Prince George – Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell. “The benefits of the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North in Prince George will be felt by cancer patients and their families as well as the health professionals who care for them throughout our region.”

As part of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy, the BC Cancer Agency – an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority - and Northern Health are working jointly to complete, by 2010, the infrastructure needed to support teleoncology in 12 communities throughout the north: Dawson Creek, Hazelton, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Kitimat, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Queen Charlotte, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace, and Vanderhoof.

“TeleOncology developments in the North will mean less travel for Northern cancer patients,” said Ronald Chapman, Executive Director, Northern Cancer Control Strategy. "While we may not be able to put a specialist in every community, through videoconferencing we will be able to connect many patients with specialists at the BC Cancer Agency’s various regional cancer centres.”

In addition to patients benefiting from TeleOncology, cancer care staff in the North will also benefit from the new technology through improved education and resource opportunities. For example, a regional oncology pharmacist in Prince George can provide specialized support to regional community clinics across the North for prescription approvals, as well as other needs including vacation backup.

TeleOncology costs are included in the overall cost estimate of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy of more than $100 million. The TeleOncology component of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy includes $2.4 million in funding for mobile and stationary videoconferencing units, as well as private consultation and education rooms, in Northern Health facilities across the North. Also included is a videoconferencing bridge and related firewall devices to allow secure connections between Northern Health and mobile telehealth units at the BC Cancer Agency’s regional cancer centres.

Once operational, the TeleOncology component of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy will also use infrastructure upgrades already underway in Northern Health to support telehealth projects, which is part-funded by Canada Health Infoway (Infoway). Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of electronic health record projects in Canada.

“Technology innovations like teleoncology are carving a new path in health care,” said Richard Alvarez, CEO of Canada Health Infoway. “British Columbia is a vast province, but this teleoncology service crosses the mountains and streams to deliver first-class consultation and education services to patients who live in remote areas.”

The Northern Cancer Control Strategy is a joint initiative of the Provincial Health Services Authority, the BC Cancer Agency and Northern Health. The strategy is focused on reducing the impact of cancer on the north by meeting the unique needs of northern communities. This comprehensive cancer control program includes a range of prevention, detection and cancer care services delivered in Northern B.C. to bring care as close to home as possible.

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Media contact:

Sonya Kruger
Communications Officer
Northern Cancer Control Strategy
phone:  250-649-4873


Backgrounder: TeleOncology in Northern British Columbia

As an integral part of the Northern Cancer Control Strategy (NCCS), TeleOncology development in the North is being designed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Services' BC TeleOncology Project, to:

• Improve access for patients in remote and rural areas to specialized oncology services provided by regional cancer centres
• Improve access to oncology-related education for care providers throughout B.C.
• Reduce travel time and costs for oncologists, specialized clinical staff and patients
• Increase videoconference infrastructure required to support the increased telehealth activity

The TeleOncology program in the North is being modeled after programs on Vancouver Island and in the Southern Interior. Launched in 2006, Vancouver Island's telehealth service has seen a steady increase in participation. In 2007, the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Centre conducted 173 patient consults; that number grew to more than 450 in 2008.

What areas of cancer care will TeleOncology in the North support?

Through TeleOncology, eligible patients and care providers will have greater access to:

• Psychosocial support
• Dietary Oncology support
• Pharmaceutical support
• Hereditary cancer genetic counseling
• New patient appointments
• Follow up appointments
• Patient and staff education
• Discharge planning
• Family visits
• Navigation support

How will TeleOncology facilitate an appointment between a cancer specialist and a patient?

Utilizing dedicated patient rooms and video technology (including exam cameras and electronic stethoscopes), a cancer specialist and patient, who may be located hundreds of kilometers apart, will be able to engage in an appointment as if they are in the same room. This will mean a significant reduction in travel for patients who have been going to other BC Cancer Agency regional cancer centres, such as Vancouver, for consults, and provide greater access for patients who are unable to travel that distance.

About Canada Health Infoway

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of electronic health record projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.