The Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake in Newmarket is the first hospital in Ontario to partner with the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network to improve access to care and advance cancer care across York Region and southern Simcoe County.
"We are excited about our new partnership with the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network. Southlake patients will have increased access to the expertise and cutting-edge technologies of one of the top five cancer centres in the world,” said Dr. Peter Anglin, physician lead of the cancer centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.
“Southlake has always enjoyed close ties with Princess Margaret particularly in radiation oncology and malignant haematology. This new expanded relationship will increase access to advanced diagnostics, personalized medicine, and clinical trials. We are privileged to be the first member of the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network,” Anglin said in a news release Thursday.
“We are proud to partner with Southlake to help level the playing field and ensure patients have equitable opportunities to access advanced care regardless of where they live," said Dr. Andrea Bezjak, medical director of the Princess Margaret Care Network.
According to the agreement signed in January 2022, Princess Margaret and the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake will work together to leverage their respective strengths, resources and expertise.
“This is a tremendous benefit for patients and families in our communities,” said Lorrie Reynolds, director, Central Regional Cancer Program at Southlake. “Princess Margaret is a global leader in cancer research, education and clinical care. Our partnership will provide patients, families and staff with access to leading cancer education materials, clinical trials and cancer care expertise.”
The partnership covers all aspects of the co-ordination of care and treatment for patients, including treatments available close to the patient’s home, and access to Princess Margaret for more complex issues, as well as improved access and support for research, clinical trials and technology innovations.
The Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network also offers health-care providers enhanced access to educational materials, resources, customized courses and workshops.
“This type of partnership between organizations is the future of health care, an integrated system where resources and expertise are shared and collaboration is the norm. This is how patients will truly benefit,” said Barb Steed, executive vice-president of clinical services at Southlake and regional vice-president of the Central Regional Cancer Program.
