Alberta NDP MLA Nicole Goehring (Edmonton-Castle Downs) introduced the Cancer Care Delivery Standards Act (CCDSA) to require the government establish transparent standards of care that allow Albertans to receive cancer care in a timely manner. Goehring called the crisis in cancer care in Alberta “so critical that patients are dying before they even see an oncologist.” “Sadly, we know that Albertans diagnosed with cancer are waiting three- to four-times longer than the recommended standards to see a cancer specialist,” said Goehring in a Tuesday press release. “That it can take up to eight weeks to see a medical oncologist and up to 13 weeks to see a radiation oncologist.”At the moment, she said people know 90% of cancer patients in Alberta had to wait more than 13 weeks to receive a consultation with a radiation oncologist and that 83% of those in Ontario who have been referred are seen within two to three weeks. The Alberta NDP said the CCDSA legislates transparent standards of care and timely access to care by requiring the health minister to establish these standards to allow Albertans to access and receive cancer care in a timely manner. Additionally, it said it will ensure Albertans have consistent, reliable access to high-quality, public, and funded cancer treatment services by ensuring they are delivered within a fixed timeline. The CCDSA establishes a process to set delivery standards for cancer services.Goehring concluded by saying Albertans “deserve every opportunity to access the care they need when and where they need it.” “The UCP (United Conservative Party) government must do better for all Albertans and pass Bill 213,” she said. Alberta Health responded by saying the government is committed to addressing concerns about timely access to cancer care and is undertaking extensive work to improve access to its research, screening, prevention, and patient-centred treatment.“A refocused healthcare system will ensure Albertans receive the best care within a single, fully-integrated, high-functioning system,” said Alberta Health. “This will lead to shorter wait times and improved health outcomes for Albertans while empowering healthcare workers to deliver quality care across the province.”In October, Alberta Health said it was proud to announce the opening of the Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, which will provide world-leading care and treatment to patients from across the province. With 127,000 square metres of space, including 160 inpatient beds and more than 9,200 square metres dedicated to research, it acknowledged Arthur JE Child will provide world-leading care and treatment to patients, drive innovation, and work towards a future without cancer. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said in October they hope opening Arthur JE Child that month could one day find a cure for the disease. .‘A FUTURE WITHOUT CANCER’: Smith cuts ribbon at new Calgary cancer center.With 127,000 square metres of space and 160 inpatient beds, Arthur JE Child will be a hub for treatment and research, offering a wide range of healthcare for cancer patients and 9,200 square metres reserved for research initiatives.“About half of Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime, with more than 23,300 new cancer cases expected this year,” said Smith.
