Cancer patients and their families across Caledon and Peel Region will continue to have access to free community-based support programs after William Osler Health System and Wellspring Cancer Support Chinguacousy renewed their Memorandum of Understanding.
The renewed agreement, announced in a William Osler Health System news release, reaffirms a shared commitment to supportive care for people receiving treatment through Osler's Oncology Program.
Wellspring offers Osler oncology patients a range of free supports, including group and peer support, exercise and wellness programs, educational resources, and practical and emotional support. According to the release, these services can help people connect with others who understand their experience, stay active and navigate the challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis.
"A cancer diagnosis affects more than a person's physical health," Patricia Mosnia, Osler's Clinical Director of Oncology, Palliative Care and Benign Hematology, said in the release. "At Osler, we are committed to providing people-centred care that supports every aspect of a patient's well-being. Our ongoing collaboration with Wellspring is a meaningful example of how we are working with community partners to provide innovative health care delivered with compassion."
Through the renewed MOU, the two organizations will continue working to increase access to community-based cancer support services. The collaboration includes ongoing education for Osler's oncology teams, sharing information about available supports with patients and families, and exploring new ways to connect people with services throughout treatment and recovery.
"Renewing our collaboration with Wellspring ensures Osler patients and families have access to trusted community-based supports, now and well into the future," Carole Moore, Vice President of Clinical Services at William Osler Health System, said in the release. "Cancer journey supports, like the ones provided by Wellspring, complement the exceptional clinical care received at Osler and provide well-rounded support."
Wellspring is a community-based cancer support organization serving individuals and families across Brampton, Peel Region and surrounding communities. All of its programs are free and do not require a physician referral, and they complement medical care for people living with cancer as well as their caregivers and loved ones.
"Our renewed partnership with William Osler Health System is about making it easier for patients and families to access the practical supports they need during cancer treatment and recovery," Rebecca Harrison, Executive Director of the Wellspring Chinguacousy Foundation, said in the release. "By working more closely with Osler, we can help ensure people know Wellspring Chinguacousy is here for them with free programs, practical resources and caring support."
Osler operates several facilities serving the region, including Brampton Civic Hospital on Bovaird Drive East, the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness on Lynch Street in Brampton, and Etobicoke General Hospital.
