Province Improving Access to Health Care in Newmarket Area
Ontario is investing more than $3.6 million in a new radiation treatment unit at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.
More than 400 additional cancer patients from York Region and south Simcoe County will now have access to advanced radiation therapy every year as a result of the new radiation treatment unit, the fourth such machine at Southlake.
The radiation unit uses linear accelerator technology to provide radiation therapy -- an effective and powerful treatment that makes cancer cells unable to grow and repair themselves. In addition, the therapy can be localized to the part of the body that is being treated.
Investing in a new radiation treatment unit is part of the government's plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which provides patients with faster access to the right care, closer to home; better home and community care; the information they need to live healthy; and a health care system that is sustainable for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- Southlake Regional Health Centre regional cancer program saw 57,624 outpatient visits, 10,078 chemotherapy and supportive treatment visits in 2015-16.
- The goal of Cancer Care Ontario’s (CCO) Radiation Treatment Program is to ensure well-coordinated and timely access to safe, evidence-based, high-quality treatment. CCO works collaboratively with regional partners and clinical experts to deliver on these goals for patients.
- Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that directs high-energy x-rays, gamma rays, electrons and other forms of radiation at malignancies.
Quotes
“With the significant funding for the new radiation treatment unit at the Southlake Regional Health Centre, we are continuing to work to ensure that patients in the Newmarket area have better access to the right care closer to home, now and in the future.”
Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“This is great news for patients requiring radiation therapy. The addition of this suite will allow for more treatment options closer to home for York Region and Simcoe County residents. Southlake Regional Cancer Centre is a state-of-the-art facility which continues to provide exceptional patient services and support.”
Chris Ballard
MPP Newmarket-Aurora
“Investing in a new radiation treatment unit for Southlake Regional Hospital will mean improved access and treatment for patients and families in our region. I'm proud to be part of a government that continues to put patients and their families first in York Region by investing in our health care centres.”
Dr. Helena Jaczek
MPP Oak Ridges-Markham
“Our Regional Cancer Program is now in its sixth year of operation, and has consistently ranked as one of the top programs in Ontario since its inception. We are so proud to see the recent opening of a new fourth radiation treatment unit. This has enabled us to treat more than 400 more cancer patients closer to home, each year. We are thrilled that the provincial government is supporting our efforts to put patients first.”
Dr. Dave Williams
President and CEO at Southlake Regional Health Centre