Nurse Practitioners Enhance Cancer Care Access at LHSC

At the **London Health Sciences Centre** (LHSC), nurse practitioners are playing a pivotal role in enhancing access to cancer care. At the **Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre**, these advanced clinicians are not only expediting treatment but also providing patients with a more personalized experience. Their involvement is significantly improving the delivery of care, ensuring that patients receive timely attention during critical moments in their healthcare journey.

Dr. **Ricardo Fernandes**, a medical oncologist at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, emphasized the importance of nurse practitioners in the oncology team. “They’re able to see patients sooner and address their concerns and questions,” he stated. This collaborative approach between oncologists and nurse practitioners is proving effective in reducing wait times and ensuring continuity of care.

In the past year alone, two nurse practitioners at the centre managed nearly **1,000 patient visits**, effectively saving the equivalent of **62 oncology clinic days**. Nurse practitioner **Matthew Parezanovic** shared, “Once patients understand the purpose of my clinic, the feedback is really positive. We talk about what their PSA means, treatment side effects — and that ongoing dialogue makes a big difference.”

The growth of nurse practitioners at the centre has been notable, expanding from three in **2017** to **13** currently. This increase reflects their evolving role across various cancer types, including prostate, breast, and lung cancers. Another nurse practitioner, **Sari Belzycki**, highlighted the value of building relationships with patients: “We really get to know people. We’re not afraid to have those deeper, sometimes sensitive conversations about what their cancer means to them.”

With projections indicating that one in two Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, oncologists stress the necessity of expanding nurse practitioner-led clinics to meet this rising demand. LHSC officials assert that this collaborative model ensures every patient receives timely, compassionate, and expert care throughout their cancer journey.

This initiative not only enhances clinical efficiency but also enriches the patient experience, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. As the role of nurse practitioners continues to evolve, their impact on the healthcare system and patient outcomes becomes increasingly significant.