The health system is actively recruiting for a radiation oncologist following two years of progress at the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Dr. Senti Senthelal, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Centre, has announced he will be returning to Ontario in May.
"I would like to thank Dr. Senthelal, and the entire centre team, for the work they have done in establishing an expanded cancer treatment program on Prince Edward Island," said Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem. "We are now aggressively recruiting for additional physicians and radiation therapists as we prepare to advance our cancer treatment services to another level, one which includes linear accelerator services."
Since the Cancer Treatment Centre opened in June 1999, cancer treatment on PEI has been greatly enhanced, reducing the need for many people to travel off-Island for treatment. The Centre is home to some of the most advanced treatment planning equipment in Canada, and a new linear accelator for cancer treatment is expected to be in place next year.
"Although recruiting radiation oncologists can be a challenge, we have more to offer than ever before, including a team of highly qualified cancer treatment professionals, a brand new cancer treatment centre, and our current and planned use of state-of-the-art cancer treatment equipment," said Queens Health Region CEO Sylvia Barron. "We are confident that new staff and equipment will make PEI an attractive option for other radiation oncologists.
Various initiatives are underway to ensure continued service. Provincial recruiters have launched an international search and are working with recruiting firms to assist in the process. Radiation oncologists who previously expressed interest in coming to PEI are being contacted. A rotation of temporary locum replacements is being explored, to provide interim coverage.
Patients who need treatment will receive treatment, said Queens Region Medical Director Dr. Desmond Colohan. Chemotherapy treatment will continue as usual. Radiation therapy will continue with Dr. Senthelal and, hopefully, his replacement after May 1. If there is a temporary disruption in our service, other provinces will be asked to assist.
"While we have been expanding our cancer treatment services over the past year, some Islanders have still had to travel to other provinces for radiation treatment," said Dr. Colohan. "If we can't find a replacement for May 1, we will work with our Maritime partners to accommodate other patients if necessary."
Other recent cancer strategy initiatives have included the addition of $500,000 per year in operational funding for radiation therapy, the creation of several new cancer treatment positions, a province-wide mammography screening program, cervical cancer screening campaign, and planning to purchase a trans-rectal ultrasound for prostate cancer screening.
"I want to assure patients, their families, staff, physicians and the public that we are moving forward as quickly as possible," said Minister Ballem. "While we can't rule out that some patients may have to travel temporarily, we are putting interim strategies in place and look forward to continued expansion of the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre."