On Monday, BC’s Ministry of Health said it was working to send up to 50 radiation patients per week to the US for radiation treatment.
Adrian Dix, minister of health, said the temporary initiative is meant to reduce wait times for treatment and will be starting May 29, 2023.
All eligible patients will be sent to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center and the North Cascade Cancer Center in Bellingham, Wash.
“To ensure every effort is being made to get cancer patients the treatment they need, we are temporarily referring patients to clinics across the border,” said Dix.
“This immediate action will support patients while we expand cancer services and hire more cancer care staff throughout the province.”
A release explains that the initiative will be temporary as BC works to build up its capacity in anticipation of a surge in cancer treatment demand over the next two years.
This will also allow the province to replace aging equipment.
Through BC Cancer and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), eligible patients will have all costs related to their treatment covered, including travel, meals and accommodation.
As a temporary addition to the public health-care system, all costs for medical services, testing and medication related to the patient’s radiation treatment, prescription medications and laboratory testing will be covered by the province.
The Ministry of Health estimates that about 4,800 patients will benefit from this temporary program by 2025.
“We are incredibly grateful to BC Cancer physicians and staff for their unwavering commitment to patient care in the midst of increased patient loads,” said Dr. David Byres, president and CEO, Provincial Health Services Authority.
“This temporary measure will support those facing cancer while we continue our efforts to recruit specialized clinical and support staff, upgrade our infrastructure."
