Improvements to the Cancer Navigation Program are now available to all residents of the NWT. The goal of the expanded services is to improve patient transitions between stages of the cancer journey and to enhance support services throughout that journey.
Through funding and partnership with the Canadian Partnership against Cancer, Stanton Territorial Hospital has expanded to include a Territorial Cancer Specialist, and two Cancer Nurse Navigators as they previously only had one navigator employed.
In a press release, the NTHSSA notes that these changes are being made with an aim to identify and decrease potential symptoms of distress, leading to improved quality of life for patients and their families as they traverse the cancer continuum.
The navigators are Registered Nurses who work closely with a person diagnosed with cancer, their health care team, and their families, in order to offer assistance and direction through their cancer journey.
According to the release, their goal is to guide patients through the health care system, help to expedite access to services and resources, improve continuity and coordination of care, educate and assist with making informed decisions, and connect with resources to ensure they are feeling supported at home.
Sue Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of NTHSSA states that this augmented service will allow the navigators to reach more patients and implement evidence-based tools into practice.
“The program will employ a case management approach to services for patients and their families, ensuring they are receiving seamless wraparound services, regardless of their location in the territory.”
The Navigation program in the NWT will focus on patients diagnosed with cancer who reside in the territory. This includes patients from across the cancer care continuum, including:
- Persons with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer,
- Persons undergoing treatment for cancer,
- Persons in rehabilitation from cancer,
- Cancer survivor still requiring assistance related to ongoing side-effects,
- Persons with cancer receiving palliative care.
There are no prerequisites, follow-ups or fees necessary for navigation services and patients can also self-refer to this program by calling 1-866-313-7989 or emailing [email protected].
