Dr. Ketan Ghate, Dr. Ken Yoshida, Dr. Evan Lilly Cancer Care at Bluewater Health The cancer program at Bluewater Health has a long history of providing high-quality care. We work closely with our own diagnostic departments and specialists along with the Regional Cancer Centers in Windsor and London to ensure all appropriate services and referrals are available to our patients. For cancer surgeries overall, Bluewater Health saw 100% of patients within the provincial target for both time to first cancer surgical appointment and time from decision to cancer surgery, compared to 93% and 91% respectively for Ontario hospitals on average. I am very pleased we were able to expand our oncology services by recruiting an additional medical oncologist, Dr. Ketan Ghate, to join Dr. Ken Yoshida in providing specialized cancer care in Sarnia. Dr. Evan Lilly is a family physician with special interest in both oncology and palliative care who works in our cancer program as well. The program also includes specialized oncology nurses, a patient navigator, and other hospital supports to help our patients. Patients get the benefit of many experts, without having to travel to another city, or potentially delay treatment while waiting for a second opinion. Our physicians participate in team reviews with our regional partners in London and Windsor. Experts in medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, nursing, and other specialists as needed come together to provide second opinions on testing and decide on the best treatment plan. When someone hears they have cancer, it’s very important they receive support and timely care. Wait times for diagnostic tests and treatments are a priority for Bluewater Health and we consistently strive to meet or exceed provincial wait time standards. Our exceptional surgeons can perform many types of cancer surgeries, close to home. Patients can fill their cancer-related prescriptions at the pharmacy located inside Bluewater Health – and have them delivered during appointments to save trips. Drug Access Facilitators help patients receive funding from their insurance company or through government or pharmaceutical programs. At Bluewater Health, our focus is on quality patient care, close to home. For more information about the services available through our cancer program, please visit our website bluewaterhealth.ca. Written by Dr. Mike Haddad Chief of Professional Staff Bluewater Health www.bwhf.ca.