Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Photo: CKBW Files
The Nova Scotia government announced that they are investing $1 million to enhance cancer treatment in the Southwestern region of the province.
The new funding will cover additional staff, medical supplies, and other supports so patients in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby counties can receive more cancer care close to home.
“We are committed to providing people in Digby, Shelburne, and Yarmouth counties better access to the cancer care they need closer to where they live,” said Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill. “This investment will improve cancer supports and services for people in Southwestern Nova Scotia, allowing for more coordinated care, enhanced programming, and more staff.”
The investment comes following a 2018 survey that recommended developing a suite of services to better support patients who may need specialty cancer services and treatment in the area.
The government will invest $953,800 annually to hire new staff, including a pharmacist, pharmacy practice assistants, registered nurses, a nurse practitioner, a social worker, a psychologist, a clinical nurse educator, and a registration and booking clerk.
Approximately 360 patients in Southwestern Nova Scotia received cancer treatment at Yarmouth Regional Hospital last year. The province estimates this investment will benefit 230 patients annually as a result of reduced travel to Halifax.
The Health Authority is working on finalizing the positions they will be offering and they expect to have job postings up in the next few weeks.
