South West Regional Cancer Program 2024 – 2028 Strategic Plan

Since 2005, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) has been leading the way in developing multi-year cancer plans that shape how we deliver care across Ontario. The fifth plan (2019–2024) focused on six key system-wide goals: person-centred, safe, equitable, efficient, effective, and timely care.  

Building on that foundation, the South West Regional Cancer Program (SWRCP) developed our own strategic plan to meet the needs of populations in the southwestern Ontario region.  

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, it also revealed our collective strength and resilience. Together, we accomplished a great deal during this time – and now as we look ahead, we are more determined than ever to achieve even greater progress in cancer care and treatment.  

Over the past four years, our region has seen some remarkable achievements, thanks to the dedication of our teams and partners: 

• Improved wait times for cancer surgeries and systemic and radiation therapies.
• Improved navigation and intake with the expansion of the Ontario Patient Navigation Program (OPNP) and the introduction of auto-triage systems at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.  
• Better support for patients at home through CAREchart@home, which supports patients with after-hours telephone support for symptom management.  
• A new Systemic Treatment Assessment Clinic launched in 2024 at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, helping reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits and enhancing patient experience.  
• Expanded access to nursing support through our Telephone Triage Nursing (TTN) Support Line.
• Strengthened emotional support and guidance via our Peer Support Program, connecting patients, caregivers, and families to others who have lived experience.  
• Celebrated the opening of a newly renovated chemotherapy suite and pharmacy at Stratford General Hospital and the newly renovated cancer treatment space at Woodstock Hospital, bringing safe, high-quality cancer treatment closer to home for patients in that community.
• Improved continuity of care for patients without a regular primary care provider through the Unattached Patients Initiative.   

These achievements reflect the heart of what we do – working together to ensure every patient receives the best possible care and support, close to home.

Our previous strategic plan was successful because it was shaped by voices from across the region - patient and family partners, healthcare providers and health system partners. That same spirit of collaboration will guide us as we move forward with our 2024-2028 strategic plan, aligned with Ontario’s new OCP 6, with one clear goal: to keep improving cancer outcomes and the overall patient experience.  

Over the coming years, we are excited to expand initiatives like Your Symptoms Matter (YSM), an important tool that enhances patient quality of life while undergoing cancer care, addressing treatment and disease symptoms that matter the most. We are also celebrating the expansion of cancer services at St. Thomas Elgin Hospital as they move to operate their chemotherapy clinic five days per week. We will also continue working closely with the Cancer Care Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and regional PFACs to find creative solutions for challenges beyond the clinical setting – like transportation, financial barriers and accessing additional community-based resources – because we know these issues matter just as much to our patients and families.

This plan is more than a road map – it is our shared commitment to delivering the best cancer care possible for everyone in our region. We look forward to sharing our progress with you and celebrating even more successes together in 2029. 

Sincerely,  

Go back to the South West Regional Cancer Plans landing page.