With help from Alberta Health Services, the NWT Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) has secured funding to support bringing hematology oncology physician and nursing positions back in the territory.
Planning between jurisdictions is now underway to recruit these positions, according to the health authority on March 12.
It was almost a year ago when Alberta Health Services informed the NWT that the virtual hematology oncology care model it supports was no longer sustainable and, according to the NWT health authority, did not meet the necessary standards of care.
"As a result, since May 2024, all hematology oncology patients in the NWT have been required to travel to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta, for appointments," the NTHSSA states.
It added that limited local resources and challenges like sharing patient information between jurisdictions drove that decision.
Now, the NWT health authority states that once it secures staffing, many treatments and appointments will again be available in Yellowknife, with virtual support as an option, when needed.
"However, more complex treatments may still require travel to Alberta," the news release states.
The NTHSSA also notes that the GNWT hired a registered nurse in October 2024 to support hematology oncology services. Cancer Care Alberta is recruiting for a hematologist oncologist and has posted a dedicated role for the NWT.
Hematology oncology is the study of blood disorders and cancers affecting the blood.
