Stanton Territorial Hospital announced it is suspending its chemotherapy service for the foreseeable future but it wasn't due to any harm coming to patients, say officials.
As Yellowknifer reported Wednesday, an agreement on the decision was reached this week between the hospital and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA).
Chief operating officer of Stanton Territorial Hospital Les Harrison said after a review by Cancer Control Alberta (CCA), it was determined the program needed improvement.
The Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife, NWT.
“When they looked at part of the delivery model they determined chemo wasn't up to standard,” said Harrison in an interview after a news release was issued Tuesday.
“We need the time to implement procedures and policies which would give our staff an opportunity get the training.”
The review, conducted in November, took an extensive look inside the hospital's cancer treatment program. CCA investigated how patients flow through the hospital's system, the different policies and procedures for cancer treatment, a safety audit and patient education.
“It wasn't anything wrong with the drugs we provide,” said Harrison.
A statement released by the NTHSSA reiterated, “The suspension of the chemotherapy services were not triggered by any known incident of patient harm.”
Although the suspension is inconvenient for cancer patients receiving the treatment, Dr. Shireen Mansouri said it will be a short-term obstacle for a long term solution.
“Our focus is how we can improve the quality of care of patients and improve their experience,” said Mansouri. “The main thing for people to know is this is a proactive step.”
Some 30 patients affected by the suspension were notified about the decision between Dec.8 – Dec. 12. Patients will be flown from Yellowknife to Edmonton for further treatment. The GNWT will cover the cost of transportation and in some cases a chaperon will be provided with no added cost.
Harrison said the hospital's goal with the shutdown is to get its chemotherapy service up to speed with the Edmonton Cancer Institute.
Tuesday's news release stated the chemo program could be reactivated by February 2018, however, Harrison said the holidays could play a factor.
“This could be longer than February but we are ranging for everything to be completed within the next two to three months,” said Harrison. “Nurses will also be sent down to Edmonton to get the proper training.”