OTMH Launches Advanced Lung Diagnostic Clinic

Waiting to get the results of any cancer diagnosis is already an incredibly stressful experience and these patients often face additional logistical challenges that can delay the process,” says Dr. David Youssef, Respirologist, Physician Lead for the LDAP.

“During the diagnostic phase, patients are frequently referred for multiple tests and consultations, across various healthcare facilities. Our clinic addresses these challenges by offering a coordinated, streamlined and expedited diagnostic process. We are dedicated to supporting patients every step of the way, ensuring all investigations adhere to Cancer Care Ontario guidelines and are completed as quickly as possible. Our ultimate goal is early cancer detection, which enables prompt and effective treatment to enhance patient outcomes.”

The clinic draws on a medical team of experts, who use advanced diagnostic tools and technology to detect lung cancer early. In fact, Dr. Youssef notes that only a handful of hospitals in the province offer some of the advanced endoscopy procedures available at the LDAP at OTMH. (Please see attached Backgrounder.)

In addition to expert medical care, the clinic also provides a patient navigator to help patients manage their healthcare journey, schedule appointments, and support their educational, emotional, physical needs, thereby minimizing anxiety throughout the process.

Patients are seen at the clinic within two weeks of receipt of the referral and all related testing is done within 28 days of their consultation. If lung cancer is detected, the LDAP team will collaborate with thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists to provide a complete personalized care plan for patients and their families.

“The advantage of having this LDAP clinic at OTMH is that family physicians, Emergency Department physicians and other specialists from our Milton District Hospital, Georgetown Hospital, and other areas of the Halton Region can refer their patients to the program without any delay,” concludes Dr. Youssef. “This vital, high-tech diagnostic and treatment service has the potential to save lives and we are delighted to be able to offer it locally, closer to home for our patients in Halton.”

The LDAP was developed through collaborations of various key areas and departments at Halton Healthcare including Diagnostic Imaging, Endoscopy, the Pulmonary Function Clinic and Ambulatory Care.