Coordinating cancer care across hospitals in the region is vital to making sure patients receive the right care in the right place, without unnecessary delays or barriers. By streamlining access, patients can move more smoothly from diagnosis to treatment, and receive timely referrals to the specialists and services they need. Regional surgical pathways help ensure that surgery is provided based on patient need, not geography, giving everyone the same fair access to high-quality care. Equally important, strong integration with community services such as primary care and homecare allows patients to be supported beyond the hospital walls, helping them manage recovery, symptoms, and overall well-being at home. Together, these coordinated efforts not only improve the quality and fairness of cancer care but also create a more seamless and supportive experience for patients and families.
Goals and objectives
Goal 1: Improve coordinated access to cancer care
Objectives:
- Streamline referral processes so patients are connected quickly to the right specialists and services.
- Reduce duplication of tests and referrals across hospitals.
Indicators:
- Reduction in average wait time from referral to first oncology appointment, in line with OH-CCO targets.
- Improvement in patient-reported satisfaction with timely access to the care team they need.
Goal 2: Establish regional surgical pathways
Objectives:
- Ensure surgical care is based on patient need rather than hospital location.
- Standardize surgical practices and protocols to improve safety and quality across the region.
Indicators:
- Reduction in variation of surgical wait times across hospitals.
- Improved post-surgical recovery outcomes (e.g., reduced complication rates).
Goal 3: Strengthen integration with community services
Objectives:
- Create stronger connections between cancer centers, primary care providers, and homecare teams.
- Support smooth transitions from hospital to home with clear care plans and follow-up.
Indicators:
- More patients discharged with a coordinated care plan shared with both primary care and home care providers.
- Increased patient satisfaction with symptom management and home support services.
- Reduction in avoidable hospital readmissions within 30 days of cancer-related discharge.
A success story within regional surgical pathways
London Health Sciences Centre reduces cancer surgery wait times by 50 per cent
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) improved cancer surgery wait times at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre by 50 per cent from 2023 to 2024 for non-urgent and non-emergent patients. While patients identified as high priority have largely been seen within the recommended surgical wait time, making this reduction in wait times is even more impactful because these improvements affect patients who are more likely to encounter extended waits across the health-care system.
2024 – 2028 Strategic Plan Outline
Go back to the South West Regional Cancer Plans landing page.
