Orangeville, ON, July 15, 2010 – Headwaters Health Care Centre announced today the hospital's chemotherapy program is now connected to the oncology program at Brampton Civic Hospital.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is emotionally overwhelming and having to travel long distances to receive care is stressful for the cancer patient and their family," says Dr. Ken Derksen, Chief of Staff, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

From 2003-2010, oncologists from the Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre located at Credit Valley Hospital provided care for patients while on chemotherapy at Headwaters Orangeville site. "Partnering with a hospital closer to our community means local residents can receive chemotherapy, nursing assessment and coordination of support services with less travel,” says Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Patients may request a physician referral to an oncologist at Brampton Civic Hospital and to receive their chemotherapy treatments at Headwaters Health Care Centre. Oncologists at Brampton Civic Hospital visit Headwaters weekly to follow-up with patients receiving chemotherapy. The Oncology Team provides diagnosis, education, treatment (inpatient or outpatient) and management of the disease.

"For cancer patients who have made the decision to seek treatment close to home, we provide this care with dignity and compassion," says Derksen. The Oncology Team focuses on the medical, physical, nutritional, social and psychological needs of patients.

The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions about hospital services. Please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre at 519.941.2702 ext. 2200.

About Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Health Care Centre serves more than 110,000 residents in Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne and Dufferin County. Headwaters’ operates an 87 bed acute and complex continuing care hospital. Visit www.headwatershealth.ca.

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