A new BC Cancer Agency program made possible by Lions and Lioness Clubs across Vancouver Island, through donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, means hundreds of patients in the future may be able to consult face-to-face with their specialists, without having to leave their home communities.

TeleCare, a program developed by the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre in partnership with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, allows physicians and patients to meet with cancer specialists in Victoria by video link. Mobile TeleCare videoconferencing units are being placed in host hospitals of island communities where patients may have the option to hold their appointment remotely.

In this initial phase, TeleCare units will connect the communities of Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Comox, Campbell River and Port Hardy/Port McNeil with Victoria's BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre.

"We want to provide care closer to home for a large population, with access to specialists and sub-specialists," explains Dr. Brian Weinerman, oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. "We don't have the personnel to put these specialists into every community, so we feel this is the evolution of how care will be provided to patients in remote areas."

Reducing the need to travel to Victoria for an in-person consultation with an oncologist can relieve some of the physical, emotional and financial burden placed on patients who live up-Island. More than half of the patients receiving treatment at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island centre come from north of the Malahat.

"Not only will Telecare help reduce patient travel to Victoria, it can also help improve access to other BC Cancer Agency services, such as orienting new patients to the BCCA before their first visit to the centre, providing patient education programs, and offering teaching opportunities for health care professionals," states Johanna den Duyf, Director, Clinical Operations, BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island.

Lions and Lioness Clubs representing District 19-I from across the Island raised more than $64,000, donated through the BC Cancer Foundation, to bring the units into local hospitals. "We are committed to improving the quality of life for Vancouver Islanders," said Lyne Moreau and Keith Buchan, Telecare campaign coordinators. "This project is fundamental to improving access to expert medical advice to all Vancouver Islanders.  We are honored to lead this important initiative through the support of Lions and Lioness members throughout the region.

"Lions and Lioness District 19-I members are commended for their vision in support of this important initiative," said Stan Sage, past District Governor, Lions District 19-I Foundation. "An application has been prepared for matching dollars from Lions International Foundation
attracting additional resources to support this grass roots initiative."

Laura Walsh director of development for the BC Cancer Foundation on Vancouver Island said, "We are very grateful to the Lions and Lioness District 19-1 for their generosity in making this program possible and impacting the lives of so many patients."

When Christopher Spencer-Johnson of Nanaimo was diagnosed with colon cancer, the Nanaimo resident had the chance to save hours of time and energy traveling to Victoria for consultation with a doctor, during a BC Cancer Agency pilot study using a TeleCare videoconference unit in Nanaimo.

"My wife and I were able to save ourselves a four hour trip – the hospital here is only five minutes away," said Spencer-Johnson. "We got all of the information we needed, we had lots of time to ask questions, and we got as much from the meeting as if it had been in person."

The study concluded last year and was a success. Sixty new patients were divided into two groups to compare their satisfaction between videoconferencing and in-person consultation. The results showed that patients who participated in a video consult were as satisfied as those who came into the centre. Over the next year, the units will be set up in five communities where patients and physicians will help determine the optimal uses of TeleCare in health service delivery.
 
"VIHA is committed to ensuring that new technologies improve patients' access to care, and physicians' access to information and specialist support," said Dr. Mary Lyn Fyfe, Medical Director, Clinical Informatics and Telehealth, Vancouver Island Health Authority. "The technology enables patients to see their physician without having to travel long distances, and this increases the time they can spend in their communities, with their families."

The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C.
 
For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations
BC Cancer Agency
1.800.663.3333, ex 6272

Penny Noble
Public Relations
BC Cancer Foundation
604.707.5902