Headwaters Health Care Centre has announced that its chemotherapy program is now in partnership with the oncology program at Brampton Civic Hospital.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is emotionally overwhelming and having to travel long distances to receive care is stressful for the cancer patient and their family,” said Dr. Ken Derksen, Headwaters Chief of Staff.

Since 2003, oncologists from the Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga provided care for patients taking chemotherapy at Headwaters.

“Partnering with a hospital closer to our community means local residents can receive chemotherapy, nursing assessment and co-ordination of support services with less travel,” said Headwaters President/CEO Cholly Boland.

Under the arrangement, patients may request a physician referral to an oncologist at Brampton Civic Hospital and to receive their chemotherapy treatments at Headwaters.

Oncologists at Brampton Civic Hospital visit Headwaters weekly to follow up with patients receiving chemotherapy. The oncology team provides diagnosis, education, treatment (inpatient or outpatient) and management of the disease.

“For cancer patients who have made the decision to seek treatment close to home, we provide this care with dignity and compassion,” Dr. Derksen said.

The oncology team focuses on the medical, physical, nutritional, social and psychological needs of patients.