(From Connexion Newsletter Fall/Winter 2024)

I have been working at the Kamloops Cancer Clinic since 2018 as a General Practitioner in Oncology. This work is rewarding and challenging.

Our cancer clinic is not a regional cancer centre like they have in larger cities like Kelowna, nor is the current plan for us to become a regional centre. We are a Community Oncology Network clinic, operated as part of a collaborative partnership between Interior Health and BC Cancer for the Southern Interior in Kelowna.

In this model, wraparound supportive care services have historically been lacking for our patients. This was part of the inspiration behind applying for Shared Care funding through the Thompson Region Division of Family Practice. One of the aims of this project work was to enhance cancer supportive care services for patients of the Thompson Region.

This work has enabled us to collaborate with organizations that work tirelessly to achieve the same goal. The Kamloops Cancer Supportive Care Society, which is a grassroots non-profit society, and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation have been instrumental in bringing InspireHealth LIFE Programs to Kamloops.

These are amazing, free, two-day, in-person programs held in Kamloops for cancer patients and their families around supportive cancer care. These programs are being advertised through the Kamloops Cancer Clinic and have been very well-received. Many of our patients are also accessing on-line and telephone services through InspireHealth. Last year, more than 250 oncology patients accessed approximately 2,000 patient visits with physicians, dietitians, counselors, exercise therapists, and group programming.

Information sessions on InspireHealth and their services have been offered to Kamloops Cancer Clinic staff, the Medical Office Assistants network, a Division lunch-and-learn webinar, and at a recent Timely Talks session at the Kamloops Library.

Through collaboration, more of the patients in the Thompson Region are accessing much-needed supportive cancer care services.

— Dr. Meghan MacDonald, Chair

Resources:
– Read more about InspireHealth at inspirehealth.ca
– Learn more about the Kamloops Cancer Supportive Care Society at kamcancersupport.com