People dealing with cancer now have another service they can rely on, thanks to the generous support of Cancer Patient Services.
“Cancer Patient Services volunteers provide excellent help to people needing transportation to appointments and other non-medical support,” says Suzanne Trivers, executive director of the Mount Forest Family Health Team. “With this collaborative pilot project, we can offer additional support that was not available before.”
The Mount Forest Family Health Team has added a Cancer Care Coordinator to their team of health care providers.
Carol Armstrong, a long-time Mount Forest resident, is available part-time Monday to Friday to help people with their cancer journey. Armstrong will connect people to services they need, be a contact person to help with questions or concerns, translate “medical speak,” ensure appointments are remembered or rearranged and, most importantly, be a listening ear and support for people living with cancer.
This position is a pilot project funded for one year by Cancer Patient Services.
“People often tell our volunteers about their difficulties when we are providing transportation services. Without access to the health care team we cannot always help with these issues,” explained Grace Coupland, Chair of the Committee that studied the needs of cancer patients in the community.
“As part of the health care team, Carol will be able to communicate directly with Community Care Access Center (CCAC) staff, specialists’ offices and cancer treatment centers on behalf of the patient.”
The pilot project was developed after a meeting with Cancer Patient Services, North Wellington Healthcare, Waterloo Wellington CCAC, Waterloo Wellington Hospice Palliative Care Network and Mount Forest Family Health Team.
After much discussion, the group determined that the funding would be closer to home in the Family Health Team. The pilot project will evaluate the need for this service in the community. All data collected is kept anonymous.
To access this service, for transportation information, to become a volunteer with a cancer patient or for more information, contact Carol Armstrong, Cancer Care Coordinator, at 519-323-0255 ext. 5014.
