Focus group participants sought

Groups part of review of cancer services available at Yarmouth Regional Hospital

The Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Cancer Care Program will hold two community focus groups in Yarmouth as part of its review of cancer services.

The focus groups are one way for patients, families and community members to share their thoughts on having to travel for specialty cancer services such as radiation therapy and to talk about the supports that would make travelling for treatment easier.

The focus groups will be held in the Bluenose Room at Yarmouth Regional Hospital on Feb. 20. One session will go 3:30-5 p.m. The other session will go 6:30-8 p.m.

Space is limited to 12 people per session. To inquire about space and/or to register call or email Leslie Hill at 1-866-599-2267 or leslie. hill@nshealth.ca.

Those unable to participate in a focus group will have an opportunity to share their thoughts by completing an electronic survey. Details about that survey will come later.

The review of cancer services that are available in Yarmouth and the surrounding area will determine if having radiation therapy services at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital is possible. It will also consider supports that would make it easier for people who have to travel to access specialty cancer services.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Cancer Care Program says cancer patients and families have indicated that having care closer to where they live is important. NSHA says it is committed to providing as much cancer treatment and care as close to a patient’s home as is safely and sustainably possible.

“We want to talk with patients and families in Western Nova Scotia to understand their experiences, concerns about accessing cancer services and the supports that could help,” reads a media release. “Hearing from patients, families, and community members is an important part of the review.”