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Cancer patients will still get good treatment in Nanaimo — BC Cancer Agency

Dear editor, Re: Letter from Donna Newall about Nanaimo oncologist transferred to Victoria most of the week (Record, Nov. 23).

Dear editor,

Re: Letter from Donna Newall about Nanaimo oncologist transferred to Victoria most of the week (Record, Nov. 23).

As the interim vice-president of Systemic Therapy for the BC Cancer Agency, I want to assure Ms. Newall and all patients attending the clinic in Nanaimo that we are committed to continued high-quality care to the area’s patients.

The change to the oncologist’s schedule at the Nanaimo location was not made lightly, and we understand it has caused stress for some of her patients.

While Dr. Most is now in the Nanaimo clinic one day a week, and in Victoria four days a week, patients continue to receive excellent cancer treatment.

As with all oncologists, she continues to formulate her patients’ cancer management plan, which is then carried out by a GP in oncology. We use this care delivery model across the province.

She can still provide consultations to her current patients throughout the week via phone or video link when required, a common practice across the province as we cover a large geographic area.

Part of the reason for the change is that it became apparent Dr. Most was in the position in Nanaimo of carrying out her duties more as a generalist in all cancers.

Today, oncologists throughout the BC Cancer Agency specialize in a few specific cancer types. This transition allows Dr. Most to specialize and better collaborate with other oncologists at the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Centre in Victoria, which benefits all patients.

This also facilitates patients from the Nanaimo area to see oncologists who specialize in their specific type of cancer.

Dr. Marianne Taylor

Editor's note: Dr. Marianne Taylor is the interim VP, systemic therapy, of the BC Cancer Agency.