Tuesday 24 April 2012

Women`s Health Contribution Program Slashed


Another federal ministry announces program closure - the end of the Women’s Health Contribution Program

One more women’s programfalls victim to federal government budget cuts; 16-year program provided essential evidence and information on women’s health; group argues for need to consider how women are harmed by cuts to programs and services.

(April 23, 2012) - Six federally funded organizations devoted to research and communication in women’s health learned this week that their funding will end March 31, 2013.

The Program is critical to funding innovative social policy reseach, building community partnerships and providing important mentorship opportunities for students in women’s health. Within a year, the affected organizations will be forced to either close their doors permanently or attempt to find funding elsewhere.

The Women’s Health Contribution Program (WHCP) supports: Le Réseau québécois d’action pour la santé des femmes (RQASF), the Canadian Women’s Health Network (CWHN), the Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health (ACEWH), the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health (BCCEWH), the Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence (PWHCE) and the National Network on Environments and Women’s Health (NNEWH), located across the country from Vancouver to Halifax.

“The effect of this decision by Health Canada is yet another strong sign that the federal government is pulling away from its responsibility to gender equality. The work funded through the WHCP has been crucial to ensuring that Canadian women have had access to the best evidence and policy advice on women’s health issues, through research that recognized that social and environmental determinants of health are key,” said Chi Nguyen, Chair of the Board of the Canadian Women’s Health Network.

The centres and networks funded by the WHCP carry out research and provide policy input to federal government departments on a broad range of women’s health issues, including:

§  the women’s health implications of the federal government’s regulation of toxic chemicals (NNEWH);
§  the hyper-sexualization of girls (RQASF);
§  the inter-generational legacy of residential schools on Aboriginal women and their families (PWHCE);
§  the need for trauma-informed counselling  for women with addictions (BCCEWH);
§  a working guide for conducting sex and gender-based analysis in health research (ACEWH);
§  a critical analysis of funding for the HPV vaccine (CWHN).

Staff and directors managing the centres and networks add their voices to the growing body of Canadians who are shocked and outraged by the short-sightedness of the federal government cuts to programs, services and the federal civil service. These cuts are in direct contradiction to the pledges regarding gender equality that Canada has made both in international commitments and to Canadians. Women are being hit particularly hard with these cuts, and, because the research being eliminated generated proactive, preventative strategies for health promotion, these cuts will cost everyone in the long term. The end of this work will be most strongly felt by the disadvantaged and the disempowered.

Dr. Liz Whynot, Chair of the Board of Directors of the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health expressed her concern that “This cut threatens the significant work on women’s health that has been undertaken across the country, and represents an enormous loss of capacity to monitor and improve the health of women in Canada, particularly those who are marginalized.”

The impact of these cuts across the country will be felt in ways not yet fully imagined and will create a further burden on our health and social support systems.  The centres and networks are calling on ALL Canadians to contact their MPs to voice their concerns about cuts to the Women’s Health Contribution Program, along with the Health Department of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the National Council of Welfare, and all those organizations devoted to promoting women’s health and women’s equality.

Monday 23 April 2012

Manitoba Budget 2012: Province to provide free cancer drugs for all patients


Coverage Will Eliminate Financial Burdens For Patients, Families
(April 19, 2012) Premier Greg Selinger today announced the government will help support cancer patients and their families by making oral cancer drugs free for Manitobans, eliminating deductibles and covering the cost of necessary support drugs that patients may need during their treatment.
"This budget will help patients focus on their health rather than worrying about the financial burden expensive cancer drugs have on their lives and families," said Selinger. "Our government is proud to be covering the cost of cancer treatment medicine and support drugs for patients at home no matter where they live in our province."
Currently, the province covers the full cost of cancer medications when they are administered at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) facilities. Until today the cost of oral cancer medications taken outside of a health facility were the responsibility of the patient, with coverage available through drug plans such as Manitoba Pharmacare with its income-based deductible. Some newer cancer drugs can cost thousands of dollars per month.
"Starting today, the new Home Cancer Drug Program will cover 100 per cent of the cost of oral cancer treatment and support drugs, with no deductibles," said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. "This will also save some patients time and the inconvenience of having to go to the hospital for treatment. They can now take their medication in the comfort of their own home."
Some cancer patients require specialized medications and chemotherapies, which were previously only available in hospitals through intravenous drip or injection. However, over the last few years through medical advancements there have been a growing number of cancer medications and chemotherapy treatments that have become available in oral form, allowing patients to take the medicine at home and at their convenience instead of going to the hospital for treatment.
"These new oral cancer drugs are quite expensive, leaving many patients unable to afford them up until today. In the past, many patients have decided to travel to the hospital for treatment because they couldn't afford the oral medication. For some rural patients, this can mean a lot of travel," said Oswald.
"This announcement will have a profound impact on Manitoba families battling cancer in every corner of this province," said Mark McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Division. "We've talked to people in Flin Flon, Brandon, Teulon, Steinbach and Winnipeg who will no longer have to choose between their health and their family's financial well-being. This announcement allows cancer patients to focus their energy on beating cancer rather than worrying about drug costs and putting a financial burden on their family."
In addition to approved oral cancer treatment medications, the province will also fully cover the cost of appropriate cancer support drugs, which include anti-nausea medications to counter the difficult side-effects of chemotherapy treatments.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are now the only two provinces in Canada to fully cover the cost of both oral treatments and support drugs no matter where they are taken.
"On behalf of our patients, CancerCare Manitoba thanks the provincial government for this very important next step towards a comprehensive, sustainable, provincial oncology drug program," said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba. "The Manitoba Home Cancer Drug Program enables cancer specialists to better tailor appropriate treatment for cancer patients through the safe and effective use of expensive drugs."
It's estimated that 6,100 Manitobans will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
"Everyone is touched by cancer in some way. It may affect our parents, neighbours and friends. In this budget we're ensuring that every Manitoban can access world-class cancer care whenever and wherever they need it," said Selinger.
To enrol in the new Home Cancer Drug Program, which covers 100 per cent of eligible oral cancer treatment and support medications starting today, patients should contact CancerCare Manitoba Pharmacy at 204-787-4591.
More information is available at www.cancercare.mb.ca.

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Mesothelioma Survivor Continues to Explore the Outdoors


Canadians can appreciate a guy like Bob Oberstar, an outdoorsman from upstate Wisconsin who has refused to let mesothelioma cancer lock him inside for very long.

Oberstar, 71, has defied the odds and survived seven years with a typically aggressive cancer that has beaten him up, but not beaten him down.

In his world, there still are fish to catch, wild turkey to hunt, grass to cut and a garden to plant, leaving little time to contemplate the reality of a cancer with no cure.

Mesothelioma is the cancer caused almost exclusively from exposure to toxic asbestos fibers, which are unknowingly inhaled or ingested, moving into the thin lining around the lungs or other vital organs, where they eventually cause the havoc.




His exposure likely came during his short time in the Navy, where he worked as a machinist mate, working with valves, gaskets and insulation material, all of which contained asbestos. He also spent summers during his college years working in an iron-ore mine.

Shortly after retiring from a career as school teacher, he was stunned by his diagnosis of mesothelioma, which has such a lengthy latency period (20 to 50 years between asbestos exposure to obvious symptoms). He opted for an aggressive surgery to remove the diseased lining around his lungs.

He decided against follow-up chemotherapy and radiation, having witnessed the debilitating side effects on a cousin with a different cancer who failed to respond to the treatments.

"I wasn't going to give up what I loved doing to go through chemotherapy," he said. "The diagnosis was frightening at first, but I have never given in, never conceded anything. I've enjoyed life. I've had a good ride, and it's not over yet."

Oberstar, who previously faced prostate cancer, dramatically altered his diet to strengthen his own immune system, slowing down the cancer growth. He stays as active as he possibly can. His garage still is filled with tools that keep him outdoors. He has this fall's hunting trip already planned. He can't do everything he once did, but he can do enough of the things he loves.

He has been luckier than most who were stricken by mesothelioma. Canadians like Bill Coulbeck, who died less than a year after his diagnosis, left behind two feisty daughters who have fought the asbestos industry in Ontario. Leah Neilson and Stacy Cattron, both married with families of their own now, have carried his memory across Canada, raising awareness of this dreadful disease.

"I'm one of the lucky ones," Oberstar said. "We all have bad days, but I tell people to try and stay positive. Try and keep doing what you love."

Bio:  An award winning reporter and writer, Tim Povtak is a senior content writer for the Mesothelioma Center. He previously worked at the Orlando Sentinel and then at AOL.

Alberta Party Responses to Canadian Cancer Survivor Network’s Election 2012 Questions


Question 1: Cancer Care and Health Care Services 

According to a Leger Marketing poll, healthcare is the number one issue on the minds of Alberta voters. About one quarter of Albertans believe that healthcare is the most important issue facing Alberta today and almost four in ten will evaluate the parties’ position on healthcare when deciding who to vote for (Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal, March 28, 2012).

If elected, how will your government improve the delivery of cancer care and other healthcare services in Alberta?
If there was an easy answer to this question healthcare in Alberta would be running smoothly and would not be the number 1 issue to Albertans.  Unfortunately there is no easy quick fix for cancer care or healthcare services in general, despite what most of the parties are proposing.  

The Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) put forward 21 recommendations for improving care in Alberta.  Two of them those recommendations were very powerful statements to the political parties:

1.     Our health care system needs a period of stability, after having a number of significant restructurings in the last decade.

2.     There needs to be clearer lines of authority between the government and Alberta Health Services (AHS), as well as the other health professionals.  Government should set policy, not micromanage healthcare and AHS.

Unfortunately these messages seem to have been either forgotten or ignored by the political parties that are offering quick fixes or overhauls to Alberta's health system.  The Alberta Party is committed to providing solutions that fit with the HQCA's suggestions, such as:

·         Stop the endless reorganization of Alberta Health;
·         An independent health auditor who will monitor the state of our health system and offer constructive suggestions on improvements;
·         Expand primary care networks; and
·         promote immunizations, early testing and screening programs to catch and treat disease early

Will your government continue to provide a publicly funded healthcare system or would it institute a private healthcare system? Please provide the rationale for your decision.

The Alberta Party supports a publicly funded healthcare system.  Albertans have repeatedly stated they support public healthcare and reports have shown that dollars spent on public healthcare create better results.  
The notion of funding individuals to receive out of province care would be costly to the system.  It takes money out of Alberta's system, and does not focus on addressing the challenges facing health here in the province.

How will your government restructure healthcare delivery in Alberta?

The Alberta Party's goal is to stop the endless restructuring that Alberta's healthcare system has been subjected to.  We see the role of government as offering policy, philosophy and funding, but allowing AHS to restructure delivery as it sees fit.  To claim political credit for solutions posed by medical professionals is not being honest with Albertans.

How will your government improve services for lymphedema following cancer treatment?

Our government can provide focus and funding for specific areas such as lymphedema, but the most effective assurance we can provide is that we will allow AHS to do their job without tampering from government.  The health experts in Alberta work in AHS, not in government, and the best way to improve outcomes is to provide support to AHS rather than instruction.  It's not the "sexy" political answer, but it's the reality.

Question 2: Drug Approval

On average between 2004-2010, Alberta has approved for public reimbursement 17.7% of the 306 new drugs approved by Health Canada, compared to the cross-country provincial average for the same period of 23.44% (Access Delayed, Access Denied: Waiting for New Medicines in Canada, Mark Rovere and Brett J. Skinner, Studies in Health Policy, April 2012, The Fraser Institute).

If elected, will your government commit to increasing the number of new cancer and other drugs approved for public reimbursement so that all Albertans have timely access to the drugs they need, and if so, how will this be accomplished?

The Alberta Party does not have an official policy on providing more reimbursements, so it would not be appropriate to make an official commitment on it.  However, this does align with our goals of providing healthy supports to Albertans.  If people are able to afford drugs that will keep them healthier, this seems a more desirable and less expensive option than treating individuals who are forced to pay for those drugs.

Accomplishing this is a challenge.  Funding, though it prevents an ever increasing challenge, can be made available.  Coordinating the selection of drugs eligible for approval will require the help of organizations and stakeholders to establish criteria, costing and benefits.

While our policies are not fully developed due to our recent appearance on the political scene, we are eager to work with professionals in a variety of fields to ensure those most in the know about realities on the ground to put together the best plans upon which to move Alberta forward.

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Wildrose Party Responses to Canadian Cancer Survivor Network’s Election 2012 Questions


Question 1: Cancer Care and Health Care Services 

According to a Leger Marketing poll, healthcare is the number one issue on the minds of Alberta voters. About one quarter of Albertans believe that healthcare is the most important issue facing Alberta today and almost four in ten will evaluate the parties’ position on healthcare when deciding who to vote for (Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal, March 28, 2012).

If elected, how will your government improve the delivery of cancer care and other healthcare services in Alberta?

A Wildrose government would improve healthcare delivery by empowering our talented workers on the front lines. We have some of the best healthcare professionals in the world, but they are increasingly burdened by red tape and bureaucracy.

Will your government continue to provide a publicly funded healthcare system or would it institute a private healthcare system? Please provide the rationale for your decision.

Wildrose believes in allowing a mix of public and private delivery in order to add capacity and encourage competition, as long as it remains publicly funded and universally delivered in accordance with the Canada Health Act.

We believe that the best models for universal health care are not found in Canada or the US. They are found in European countries such as France, Austria, Belgium, and Germany. They allow a mix of delivery models that provide patient choice, accountability, and competition within a public system.

How will your government restructure healthcare delivery in Alberta?

We will dismantle the Superboard and gradually decentralize the delivery of health care to locally managed and integrated hospitals, Primary Care Networks, family physicians, specialty centres, long-term care facilities and other health services.  We look forward to discussing with cancer treatment professionals and administrators how to administer cancer care most effectively.

Radiation and Chemotherapy are included in our “Patient Wait Time Guarantee,” but the most important part of the Wildrose policy is ensuring that Alberta’s health system meets the Wait Time Alliance standard as soon as possible so that it is unnecessary for Albertans to seek treatment elsewhere. That is why we will also be implementing a “Protection of Public Health Care Guarantee” which commits the government to increase the number of patients treated annually in Alberta until the Canadian Wait Time Alliance benchmark of 14 days is achieved.
Still, we know Albertans are leaving the province to get the care they need when the wait is too long in the public system. Until we get the waits under control, we will reimburse those who seek treatment outside the province to a maximum of the in-province rate.

How will your government improve services for lymphedema following cancer treatment?

Wildrose does not have a policy on this specific condition. We would be happy to meet with representatives of the CCSN and other relevant stakeholders to work toward a solution that will improve services that address lymphedema.

Question 2: Drug Approval

On average between 2004-2010, Alberta has approved for public reimbursement 17.7% of the 306 new drugs approved by Health Canada, compared to the cross-country provincial average for the same period of 23.44% (Access Delayed, Access Denied: Waiting for New Medicines in Canada, Mark Rovere and Brett J. Skinner, Studies in Health Policy, April 2012, The Fraser Institute).

If elected, will your government commit to increasing the number of new cancer and other drugs approved for public reimbursement so that all Albertans have timely access to the drugs they need, and if so, how will this be accomplished?

Wildrose does not have a policy on this specific issue. We would be happy to meet with CCSN representatives and other stakeholders to ameliorate the procedures surrounding cancer and other drug approval.

Monday 16 April 2012

Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta Responses to Canadian Cancer Survivor Network Election 2012 Questions


Question 1: Cancer Care and Health Care Services 

According to a Leger Marketing poll, healthcare is the number one issue on the minds of Alberta voters. About one quarter of Albertans believe that healthcare is the most important issue facing Alberta today and almost four in ten will evaluate the parties’ position on healthcare when deciding who to vote for (Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal, March 28, 2012).

If elected, how will your government improve the delivery of cancer care and other healthcare services in Alberta?

Our party’s position is that Albertans value our publicly funded healthcare system and we wish to continue to build upon past successes, while addressing issues proactively. We understand from what Albertans have been saying is that one way of improving the delivery of services is to have more access to the healthcare system. This is why we are bringing in a Family Care Clinic model that will provide better and more comprehensive access to primary healthcare services. This would include doctors, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists and other health professionals. Albertans would be able to access any of these services without necessarily going through a doctor first. Opening hours would be extending from early morning until late in the evening, which better reflects the reality of many working Albertans.

Our plan is to evaluate the performance of the three pilot projects currently operating and to roll out 140 of the clinics, factoring in the feedback from the pilot projects. Each clinic will be individually tailored to the needs of that specific community. We have heard positive feedback from many communities across the province that would be interested in having such a facility.

Will your government continue to provide a publicly funded healthcare system or would it institute a private healthcare system? Please provide the rationale for your decision.

We fundamentally believe in a publicly funded healthcare system which provides care for all Albertans. Our party’s position is that we are proud of our publicly funded healthcare and the approximately 100,000 people who work in the system. We think most Albertans would agree with that statement. While we know that there are some issues that we are working to deal with, we must remember that our public system gets excellent results in many instances. Recently, a study done by the Canadian Institute of Health Information revealed that Alberta’s healthcare outcomes were better than the rest of Canada in several categories: readmission rates were lower, mortality rates were lower and administration costs were lower. In short, we stand by our system and do not intend to institute private healthcare.

How will your government restructure healthcare delivery in Alberta?


A PC government does not believe any major restructuring is required at the moment. Some other political parties have suggested that they would undo the consolidation of regional healthcare boards. After several years of implementing those changes, we believe it would be extremely imprudent and disruptive on the healthcare system to bring in any restructuring.

How will your government improve services for lymphedema following cancer treatment?


Cancer is a terrible disease that afflicts Albertans in many ways each year. Albertans expect their healthcare system to be there for them when they need it. They expect ongoing access to primary care, adequate testing, accurate diagnosis, effective cancer treatment and support during recovery. The Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta continues to endorse building our healthcare system to provide all of this to Albertans. This is why a PC government has laid out a solid Capital Plan for the next three years that includes $2.1 billion invested in healthcare facilities that provide these services. Some examples of projects from the Capital Plan include the Central Alberta Cancer Centre in Red Deer, the Edmonton Cross Cancer Centre and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. These facilities have been, and will continue to provide for Albertans dealing with cancer, in a professional and dignified manner. As well, in Budget 2012, our party has augmented the investment for cancer research and prevention by $2.5 million, for a total of $25 million.

Question 2: Drug Approval

On average between 2004-2010, Alberta has approved for public reimbursement 17.7% of the 306 new drugs approved by Health Canada, compared to the cross-country provincial average for the same period of 23.44% (Access Delayed, Access Denied: Waiting for New Medicines in Canada, Mark Rovere and Brett J. Skinner, Studies in Health Policy, April 2012, The Fraser Institute).

If elected, will your government commit to increasing the number of new cancer and other drugs approved for public reimbursement so that all Albertans have timely access to the drugs they need, and if so, how will this be accomplished?

As stated above, our party’s view is that providing the right kind of cancer treatment in a timely manner is of the utmost importance. This extends to making sure that Albertans have access to the right pharmaceutical treatments. When we examine this same report from the Fraser Institute which you reference, Alberta has done better in the last few years in approving medication for reimbursement. For two of the last three years, Alberta has met the provincial average. A PC government will continue to build on this momentum and work with Alberta Health and Wellness to make sure Albertans are receiving access to the drugs necessary to combat cancer effectively.

Alberta NDP Responses to Canadian Cancer Survivor Network’s Election 2012 Questions


Question 1: Cancer Care and Health Care Services 

According to a Leger Marketing poll, healthcare is the number one issue on the minds of Alberta voters. About one quarter of Albertans believe that healthcare is the most important issue facing Alberta today and almost four in ten will evaluate the parties’ position on healthcare when deciding who to vote for (Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal, March 28, 2012).

  •             If elected, how will your government improve the delivery of cancer care and other healthcare services in Alberta?


The NDP appreciates your work to promote the very best standard of care, support, follow up services, and quality of life for patients and survivors.

As many experts point out, cancer is a complicated set of diseases and there is no one solution for everything.  That said, the Alberta NDP would prioritize continued research about cancer, would invest heavily in community based health care and prevention, and would pay more attention to cancer survivorship and post-treatment follow-up.

To determine areas for improvement in care and to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment, we must collect adequate information about wait times, treatment and transition and publicize these findings. Last year NDP leader Brian Mason pressured the health minister to release cancer surgery wait times between 2000-2007. The Conservatives hesitated to release the wait times for cancer surgery and it was only after repeated challenges that the government finally responded by striking a Health Quality Council investigation. The Conservatives have also failed to release the most recent AHS quarterly performance report, which is now overdue, as a way to see how well care is doing in other areas. This suggests that there has been little improvement in wait times and makes many people distrust the health care system.

An NDP government would publicize these findings in an effort to be more accountable and would reduce these wait times by immediately investing in improved care. We would improve care by hiring more doctors, more nurses, and building 1, 500 long term care beds to relieve pressure on the acute care system. The number of health professionals would be increased by working with nursing and medical schools to increase enrollment, by providing incentives for graduates to work in Alberta, and by improving the process so internationally educated professionals can work here. The process of planning and building new facilities including hospitals would be removed from political agendas and determined and made public based on clear objective criteria and known in time for proper planning.

Funding for such improved care can easily be paid both because there will be significant savings at the emergency and acute care end of the health system and more substantially because the NDP is proposing very small income tax increases for corporations and very wealthy individuals and a small increase in royalty rates for bitumen. Quality health care does not need to be threatened by talk of our system being too expensive. Such an investment will insure ensure patient, provider and health system readiness to take up innovative form of treatment, post-treatment follow-up and cancer survivorship care.

Lastly, the Alberta NDP would invest heavily in community-based education and preventative care.  Many of the risk factors for cancer can be treated by working with communities and addressing the social determinants of health, such as nutritional eating and exercise to particular populations, safe housing and workplaces free of hazardous chemicals. The Alberta NDP would also use legislation to reduce such major risk factors as smoking (for example, by increasing the tax on cigarettes).

  •       Will your government continue to provide a publicly funded healthcare system or would it institute a private healthcare system? Please provide the rationale for your decision.


During this election the NDP is saying excellent public health care is the top priority and after the election, a bill to protect the public health care system would be the first bill for an NDP government. That commitment has been demonstrated as the NDP has led the work to protect and improve public health over the decades and the NDP stands by that commitment now.

All people with cancer should have access to the treatments and supplies they need, regardless of their income. However, over the years the number of medical services covered by medicare have been eroded and the number of private services offered have increased.  The Conservative government’s encouragement of privatization in our province’s health system threatens eventually to make healthcare less accessible for people with lower incomes and quality of care may come to depend more on ability to pay. Alberta’s NDP opposes the delisting of services or any measure that will permit some to go ahead in the line if they are able to pay, and supports policy measures that ensure that all Albertans are getting the healthcare they need. The NDP will energetically be vigilant for evidence that health services in Alberta are not being delivered with full respect for all pillars of the Canada Health Act and will fight any moves to a system where quality of care in any way depends on ability to pay.

  •        How will your government restructure healthcare delivery in Alberta?


The Alberta NDP respects the recent report of the Health Quality Council that there has been too much unplanned change in the health system in recent years and would not immediately restructure the health boards because of the further disruption that this would cause to a health system that is already significantly challenged. The delivery of health care, however, would be more effective because the backlog in the system would be adequately addressed with the building of long term care facilities and the hiring of more health care professionals. As mentioned, an NDP government would also expand the healthcare system’s focus on preventative care and medicine to help Albertans avoid health problems or complications before they begin. This would be delivered in greater partnership with communities. Over the longer term the NDP believes the Alberta Health Services should be disbanded and the department of Health and Wellness be directly responsible for both policy and delivery of health services but that regional advisory boards with elected representatives are needed. Commitments to better funded home care services will also help with service delivery and reduce both emergency department visits and the
need for acute care treatment.

  •          How will your government improve services for lymphedema following cancer treatment?

Secondary lymphedema needs to be addressed with proactive efforts to increase awareness of lymphedema and mitigate the risks. The Alberta NDP would work with experts to offer better self management techniques and would ensure that treatments such as massage, exercise plans, compression bandages and all other assisted devices are fully covered by medicare.

Question 2: Drug Approval

On average between 2004-2010, Alberta has approved for public reimbursement 17.7% of the 306 new drugs approved by Health Canada, compared to the cross-country provincial average for the same period of 23.44% (Access Delayed, Access Denied: Waiting for New Medicines in Canada, Mark Rovere and Brett J. Skinner, Studies in Health Policy, April 2012, The Fraser Institute).

If elected, will your government commit to increasing the number of new cancer and other drugs approved for public reimbursement so that all Albertans have timely access to the drugs they need, and if so, how will this be accomplished?

The Alberta NDP would speed the regulatory process for new cancer drugs and would adequately fund them so that all Albertans have access, regardless of their income. Critical to this effort is the protection of the public system of health care.  Two tier systems, with both a public and a private option, erode the quality of care in the public system by reducing funds directed towards it and by expecting the other sector to care for the needs of the population. In fact, the quality and accessibility of care is known to be compromised by a two tier system. Critics blame Britain’s low cancer survival rate on the two tier system and the central institute that determines which treatments should be publicly covered. For a short time neither private nor public insurance would cover Herpecin because of its high costs, although it is a drug known for its ability to help cure early-stage breast cancer treatment. It was only after two British women sued for access to the $44,000 a year treatment that it was granted by the public system.  

The Alberta NDP would protect the public health care system and would ensure that the approval process of new drugs is at or above the national average.  We would also lower prescription drug prices by establishing the Alberta Pharmaceutical Savings Agency to oversee the bulk purchase of medications sold at pharmacies and used by AHS. Finally, we would implement a prescription drug strategy to use less expensive generic drugs when they are proven to offer equal health outcomes to the more expensive option.  The Alberta NDP would ensure that all avenues are explored to get the patient back to a meaningful, fulfilled life.


Seniors in need, caregivers in distress: What are the home care priorities for seniors in Canada?



The Health Council of Canada releases a new report on home care in Canada 

Toronto, ON (April 16, 2012) – Today, the Health Council of Canada released Seniors in need, caregivers in distress: What are the home care priorities for seniors in Canada?  The report provides the first cross Canada snapshot on the needs of home care clients and their caregivers. The report looked at data from five regions including Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Yukon and found that seniors who need home care the most are not getting the level of care they need. One-third of seniors in the Health Council’s sample have complex health needs, often involving both a physical disability and cognitive impairment such as dementia, but these people receive only a few more hours of home care services per week than what is offered to seniors with moderate care needs.  

This leaves the burden on the shoulders of many family caregivers in Canada. Caring for a high-needs senior with limited outside support may stretch family caregivers beyond their capacity. Approximately 40-50% of seniors with the most complex health needs have distressed caregivers, who report they are finding it difficult to continue to provide care, and that they have feelings of stress, anger, and depression. 

A burned out caregiver cannot help anyone if they end up in the hospital or become otherwise unable to function. In fact many caregivers are seniors themselves, at risk of health crises under stress. The report calls for a system that regularly assesses the situations of seniors and their family caregivers and provides support, whether it is additional hours of home care or faster placement a loved one into a long-term facility. 

“Home care has become an integral part of the health care system, not something that happens off-side in the community,” said Lyn McLeod, Councillor with the Health Council of Canada. “Governments need to make home care a priority by developing and implementing an integrated continuing care strategy. Jurisdictions can adapt what is working by learning from innovative practices.” 

The most successful programs and policies bring together, home care, primary care and acute care under one coordinating body. To do this, the report suggests a change in the way funding is allocated. Canada currently spends considerably more on long-term care facilities than home care. Among countries monitored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada has one of the larger gaps between spending on longterm care and home care, 0.96 % of GDP for long-term care and 0.21% of GDP for home care.  

The report also calls for integration of home care across sectors and services as well as the provision of support for family caregivers. As hospitals are the main source of referrals to home care, when seniors leave the hospital, they should experience a smooth transition from hospital to home care. And once a senior is receiving home care, the family physician should be included as part of the home care team.

“When home care is properly valued and integrated into the health care system, it can improve the health and well-being of many seniors and their families, and reduce costs to the health care system,” said John G. Abbott, CEO of the Health Council of Canada. 

The report also addresses the issue of the Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients – people who don’t need the acute care of a hospital, but still need some care. Often they are awaiting placement in a long-term care institution or rehabilitation facility. ALC patients use an average of 5,200 hospital beds every day, at high cost to the health care system. Many of these people are seniors who could be cared for at home if appropriate supports were in place.  

To find out more, download the report at healthcouncilcanada.ca/homecare 

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Pathways: Canada’s Lymphedema Magazine


Spring 2012: A new Canadian lymphedema publication was launched by the Canadian Lymphedema Framework and its provincial affiliates. PATHWAYS - Canada's Lymphedema Magazine Canada’s only magazine dedicated to matters related to lymphedema. This initiative supports the CLF’s mission to improve the management of lymphedema and related disorders in Canada.

The full-colour, professional, 24 - 28 page magazine will be focused on empowering patients and professionals by providing education and information to those living with lymphedema and the various professionals that support their care.   

Target Audience
·         People living with lymphedema and those at risk plus their family members and caregivers
·         Certified lymphedema therapists in private practice treating lymphedema patients
·         Health professionals in oncology clinics, community care settings who come across lymphedema
·         Garment fitters, ADP authorizers and industry sales representatives

For the first time in Canada, there will be one publication distributed coast to coast,  catering to the entire lymphedema community.
As part of the CLF’s collaboration with the provincial associations and organizations, this national magazine will include customized local inserts from the following affiliates for regional distribution:

·         BC Lymphedema Association 
·         Alberta Lymphedema Association
·         Saskatchewan Lymphedema Association
·         Lymphedema Association of Manitoba
·         Lymphedema Association of Ontario
·         Lymphedema Association of Quebec
 ·         Atlantic Clinical Lymphedema Network 

The Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF) is an academic and patient stakeholder collaboration that is part of an international initiative which aims to promote research, best practices and lymphedema clinical development, worldwide.
Frequency
Pathways will be produced three times in its inaugural year and grow to a quarterly publication in  subsequent years. 

Regular columns
The magazine will have a balance of articles catering to both patients and professionals featuring primarily Canadian content with occasional international guest contributors. Regular columns include clinical case studies, updates on lymphedema research, advances in lymphedema treatment best practices, questions and answers by medical experts, book reviews, patient perspectives, along with practical hints and tips to help patients better manage their lymphedema on a daily basis. 

Submittals and Subscriptions
Editorial submissions from health professionals and patients are welcomed. All material is subject to the approval of the CLF Executive and Pathways Editorial Committee.  

Anyone interested in purchasing a subscription to this magazine, is encouraged to contact their local provincial lymphedema association or the Canadian Lymphedema Framework directly at canadalymph@live.ca .