Southlake was proud to welcomed Premier Doug Ford, Minister Sylvia Jones, Minister Stephan Lecce and MPP Dawn Gallagher-Murphy during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The event, led by the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), highlighted the important work being done to increase access to childhood cancer care at Southlake and across the province.
“The government’s support of POGO and the childhood cancer care system has helped us bring leading edge cancer care closer to home for our youngest fighters,” said Charmaine van Schaik, MD, Southlake’s Chief of Staff and Vice Chair of POGO’s Board of Directors. “By partnering with hospitals across the province, POGO has opened eight satellite clinics like the one here at Southlake.”
The paediatric oncology satellite clinic at Southlake has served patients and families in local communities since it opened in 2009. Over the years, the clinic has grown to accommodate nearly 140 visits every month. Today, the clinic provides accessible cancer care for children and their families, allowing them to receive treatment without leaving their local community.
“Families no longer need to make long trips for check-ups and follow-up appointments,” said Dr. van Schaik. “Kids could come in for treatment in the morning, then go to school and be with their friends for the rest of the day. These brave families had a chance to heal closer to home, surrounded by their support system.”
The event concluded with a tour of the on-site clinic led by Southlake’s frontline staff, giving Premier Ford, Minister Jones and local members of government an inside look at the facility and the care it offers. Southlake, which is celebrating 100 years of leading edge care, continues to play a vital role in improving access to cancer care through its partnership with POGO.
