The way health care is delivered has undergone some major changes during this pandemic, but for cancer patients continuity of care is crucial.
Dr. Drew Bethune, Senior Medical Director of the Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program, based at the South Shore Regional Hospital, says they are trying to maintain Cancer care in all ways possible while minimizing the risk of patients contracting COVID-19.
“We are doing a lot of tele-medicine to avoid patients having to come to the centre for care and we are limiting in-person visits except for those that are absolutely necessary,” he said.
“Follow up appointments not deemed necessary are being put off and all elective surgeries have been cancelled.”
The centre is however continuing to perform as many cancer surgeries as they can, but Bethune says it is a balancing act as there is not an abundant supply of personal protective equipment available. Space must also be reserved in case there is a surge of COVID-19 patients.
People undergoing chemotherapy are at greater risk because their immune systems are suppressed so if their treatment can be delayed, it is.
For people undergoing treatment special care must be taken to insure they avoid any likelihood of getting the virus.
“They must self-isolate, they must stay home and minimize contact with anybody except who they are living with,” he said.
“It is a very difficult time for cancer patients, they want to have friends and family around for support and that can not happen right now. It would be a very serious risk to the health of the patient.”
Bethune said although it is a big change in the way they do things, with the support of the NSHA they have been able to maintain most of their cancer care services.
The Canadian Cancer Society web page has a section about coping with cancer and COVID-19 under support and services and lists several supports they have put in place. The page can be viewed at www.cancer.ca
