Rahael launches Oncology Centre

He said patients will have a "smoother journey" through the health system and there will be less stress for their families with improved coordination of service.

Speaking at the launch of the National Oncology Programme (NOP) and logo at Woodford Cafe, Rahael said it was not just about setting up a radiation treatment centre, but a comprehensive approach to cancer. He said the NOP will provide patient-centred systems for diagnosis, treatment and end of life care; education/prevention, screening to reduce the incidence of cancer by changing lifestyle, screening and early detection activities; improved treatment, using state-of-the-art equipment and proven regimes.

Rahael said integrated programmes will work to create stronger links between all components of care in order to improve coordination and access to cancer services at the local and regional levels. "The goal is to create a tightly knit system of cancer services—from prevention through diagnosis and treatment to palliative/supportive care."

Standards will be ensured in cancer nursing, radiation therapy, planning and treatment, surgical interventions, chemotherapy and safe dispensation of costly medication.

Coordinator of the national oncology project, Dr Rosmarie Paul, said a Canadian team is working on the designs for the National Oncology Centre. Paul said four bunkers will be built to accommodate linear accelerators and clinic space for radiation treatment and chemotherapy. In-patient beds will be at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

Clinical guidelines have been developed for managing the leading cancers in TT — prostate, cervical, breast, colon and rectum. Work is also progressing on the development of treatment regimens that will define the cancer drug formulary.

Paul said, "Plans have been developed to support action by the wider Ministry of Health and other agencies to address tobacco use, inappropriate diet and lack of physical activity, the major risks factors for cancer and other chronic non-communicable diseases in our population."

Systems to support the home and community-based palliative care programme have been devised and are being tested.

Heading the NoP is a team comprising medical personnel, hospital administration, biomedical services, medical physics, communications and public health specialists and the Canadian firm selected by the Canadian government to provide other specialist oncology skills.

Rahael unveiled the winner of the NOP logo competition — Stephan Doobal, head of the Express Production House, who was chosen from among 400 entrants. He received a cheque for $10,000. Breast cancer survivor, entertainer Marcia Miranda, performed her latest Soca/Parang song, "A letter to mama" at the launch. Miranda is on an NOP sub-committee for palliative care.

She told Newsday that she understood the need for a "professional programme" having gone through the local system.

Miranda said the NOP will eliminate the need to go abroad for treatment. Although the doctors and nurses at the National Radiotherapy Centre "were doing the best," the equipment they had to use was "less than satisfactory."