At London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are enhancing patient access to timely, high-quality cancer care while supporting oncologists in delivering the best possible outcomes.
By working collaboratively, NPs and oncologists are reshaping how cancer care is delivered – reducing wait times, improving continuity of care, and ensuring patients receive the attention they need when they need it most.
In just one year, two NPs facilitated nearly 1,000 patient visits, saving the equivalent of 62 oncology clinic days, all while maintaining the compassionate, personalized care patients expect from LHSC.
Since 2017, the NP team at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre has grown from three to 13, reflecting both the rising demand for cancer care and the essential role NPs play in meeting that need.
Through independently led clinics and integration within physician-led teams, NPs are helping patients receive timely, continuous care while easing system pressures.
“As nurse practitioners, we complete advanced training that allows us to diagnose, prescribe, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage treatment plans,” says Matthew Parezanovic, Nurse Practitioner at LHSC. “This allows us to take a more active role in patient care, helping to balance caseloads and ensure effective, timely support for all.”
NP-led clinics support patients across a wide range of cancer types including prostate, testicular, breast, lung, and head and neck cancers.
In these clinics, NPs follow patients who are stable on treatment, manage symptoms, coordinate referrals, and provide education – all while working closely with oncologists.
“With one in two Canadians expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, it’s critical we continue looking for innovative ways to build capacity so we can see everyone who is depending on us in a timely manner,” says Dr. Scott Ernst, Medical Oncologist at LHSC.
As a result of the model’s success, plans are in place to offer NP-led services to a wider range of patients, including people receiving additional therapies for cancer recurrence prevention.
By fully leveraging NP expertise, LHSC is not only improving efficiency but also enhancing the patient experience – ensuring high-quality, accessible care at every stage of the cancer journey.