Two new radiation oncologists have been recruited to work at Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook as the Provincial Government and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services expand the Provincial Cancer Care Program.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minster of Health and Community Services, will be available to the media today, Friday, July 11, at 12:30 p.m. in the West Block Lobby, Confederation Building, to discuss details of the recruitment.

As part of the expansion, chemotherapy and other cancer treatment spaces have increased from 10 to 15, two dedicated telehealth spaces have been added with updated technology, and there are additional social workers to support oncology patients.

The expansion and recruitment of radiation oncologists are based on Health Accord NL recommendations to improve mortality rates for cancer, cardiac disease, and stroke patients and ensure health care providers are in place to offer health care services.

The Department of Health and Community Services and NL Health Services anticipate the two oncologists starting work in Corner Brook this summer and fall.

Radiation oncology services at Western Memorial Regional Hospital are being introduced in phases to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the highest standards of patient safety and care:

• Phase 1 is currently ongoing and includes eligible patients receiving computed tomography (CT) simulation at Western Memorial Regional Hospital, with radiation therapy treatment delivered at Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John’s. The CT simulator is a crucial tool that provides detailed imaging for radiation therapy planning. To date, approximately 80 patients have completed CT simulation in Corner Brook.
• Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in late August 2025 and includes patients who meet clinical criteria being able to receive radiation consultations and follow-up appointments in Corner Brook. On-site radiation treatment for eligible patients is expected to begin in fall.
• Phase 3 includes radiation services beginning and continuing to scale up as recruitment and onboarding of specialized staff progresses.

Patients will be advised by their radiation oncologist regarding whether their treatment will be provided at Western Memorial Regional Hospital or Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre based on their care needs.

Health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“This is an exciting day for Corner Brook and the residents of Western Newfoundland. Our recruitment plan has been ensuring doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals are choosing to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. By recruiting two radiation oncologists and expanding cancer care, residents will receive the critical health care they need on the west coast.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Today a difficult but important milestone is fulfilled in our government’s commitment to offering cancer radiation therapy to patients at Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. Recruitment of such rare and specialized talent is difficult for every region of Canada and every country in the world. With firm resolve to the outcome, our government team went to work to make it happen and now Corner Brook will soon be welcoming a team of professionals to offer our hospital and patients great quality care.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Jobs, Immigration, and Growth
MHA for Corner Brook

“The enhancements we are making to cancer care services in the Western Zone represent a significant milestone in our commitment to increasing access to high-quality care for patients across the province. The addition of two radiation oncologists means that more patients and families can receive care closer home.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
CEO, NL Health Services

“Access to timely, patient-centered cancer care is essential, and by expanding services such as radiation oncology, psychological support and increasing supports like chemotherapy capacity and telehealth, we are helping to reduce travel for patients and their families and improve the overall care experience for patients in the region.”
Beth Snow
Senior Director, Provincial Cancer Care Program, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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