Urgent Cancer Care, Close to Home

For people undergoing cancer treatment, unexpected symptoms like dehydration, fever, or infection can quickly become serious. Getting the right care at the right time can make all the difference.

That’s why Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) opened the FOCUS Clinic (Fast Oncology Care for Urgent Symptoms) in March 2025 – a dedicated space where cancer patients can receive same-day care for treatment-related symptoms, in a safe, supportive setting.

This clinic is about giving cancer patients and their families peace of mind,” says Sandy, Program Director, Cancer & Critical Care. “It gives them somewhere to turn when they need help the most.

The clinic is designed to help patients who are currently receiving treatment or have recently completed it avoid unnecessary trips to the Emergency Department. Instead, they get timely help from a team that includes a nurse practitioner and a specialized oncology nurse who understand their unique needs.

Since opening, the FOCUS Clinic has already made a big impact:

• 434 patient visits in just the first three months, with an average of 7 patients per day
• Flexible care delivery – 44% of visits in person, 56% by phone – gives patients access to timely, specialized support without added stress
• Fewer Emergency Department visits and better patient flow across the cancer program are improving the care experience for patients and providers

“I have spent many nights in the emergency department waiting to see a doctor and then trying to get tests that are needed. At the FOCUS clinic, I was seen right away by amazing, caring staff who got me where I needed to be ASAP! Great resource for patients in treatments that just need something small,” says a grateful patient of the clinic.

Thanks to our community’s support of The Big C campaign, OTMH is transforming cancer care for our community. Your support helps bring vital programs like the FOCUS Clinic to life, ensuring every patient gets the care they need, when they need it.