The BC Cancer Agency is inviting the public and healthcare providers to participate in an open consultation that will focus on issues surrounding cancer care in the province.
More than 20,300 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year in British Columbia, alone. With the success of new treatments, cancer patients are living longer, however they may also face ongoing health concerns that affect their quality of life.
The BC Cancer Agency is holding open forums at each of its regional cancer centres throughout the month of July. The information gathered at each of these sessions will be used to prepare a submission on cancer care for the provincial government in response to the Ministry of Health’s Conversation on Health.
“We are pleased the BC Cancer Agency is organizing these provincial forums to further enhance the input we are receiving through the Conversation on Health,” says George Abbott, Minister of Health. “Through this feedback, we will be able to build upon the Agency’s world class services and research capabilities in public health care.”
The first of the four public forums will be held at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, on July 12. Patients, their family members, the public and healthcare providers are encouraged to attend to contribute their opinions and concerns.
“It’s important for all of our stakeholders and partners to contribute to the discussion about cancer care and its services across our province,” says Dr. Ivo Olivotto, Chief Physician, BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Centre. “The feedback we receive from the community through these consultations will be a submission created by the public to the Conversation on Health.”
The Conversation on Health is a Government of British Columbia initiative to improve public health services today and to protect public health services for future generations.
The public consultation process will help ensure the BC Cancer Agency is able to continue to inspire the delivery of quality, patient-centred cancer care.
The general public is encouraged to attend any of the other three sessions being held around the province at the BC Cancer Agency’s regional cancer centres:
- July 19 – Centre for the Southern Interior
- July 23 – Vancouver Centre
- July 26 – Fraser Valley Centre
All sessions are from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
If you are unable to attend a session, we encourage you to provide a written submission. Please see Submission form (PDF). A Word version of the document is available upon request (please e-mail: jkidd-02@bccancer.bc.ca)
Space is limited, so if you are interested in attending the public consultation at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, please register at 604.877.6000 ex 4813, toll-free at 1.800.663.3333, ex 4813 or jkidd-02@bccancer.bc.ca.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency 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 patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.