The Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake is the first organization to join the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network, bringing resources from one of the top five cancer centres in the world to patients in York Region and Simcoe County
The Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake is the first hospital in Ontario to partner with the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network. This partnership will lead to improved access to care for Southlake’s patients, and more rapid dissemination of clinical guidance, advanced technologies, education and innovations to 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 centers in the world,” said Dr. Peter Anglin, Physician Lead, Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake. “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.”
“The Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network aims to enhance collaborations with like-minded institutions, supplementing existing provincial and local initiatives,” says Dr. Andrea Bezjak, Medical Director of the Princess Margaret Care Network. “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.”
Under an agreement signed in January 2022, Princess Margaret and the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake will work together to leverage both centres’ respective strengths, resources, and expertise. Both organizations share similar philosophies and are united under the common goal of putting the needs of the patients first.
“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. We are delighted to be the first hospital partner to join the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network.”
The partnership with the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network will cover all aspects of the coordination of care and treatment for patients, including:
- Collaborative care models that enable easier access to clinical advice and second opinions
- Access to joint Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences, so clinicians have additional support on complex patient cases
- Care treatments available close to the patient’s home, and access to Princess Margaret for more complex issues where and when
- Improved access and support for research, clinical trials and technology innovations
- Provision of patient, family and caregiver resources in a variety of languages
The Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network also offers unique benefits to healthcare providers by enhancing access to educational materials, resources, customized courses and workshops.
“This type of partnership between organizations is the future of healthcare, an integrated system where resources and expertise are shared and collaboration is the norm. This is how patients will truly benefit,” said Barb Steed, EVP Clinical Services, Southlake, and Regional Vice President, Central Regional Cancer Program. “We are honoured to be the first organization to join the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network and look forward to collaborating with additional organizations in the future to improve patient outcomes and advance care.”
For more information on the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network please visit https://pmcancercarenetwork.ca/.
