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Cancer Patients Lose Specialist Phone Line
26 Feb
Summary
- Specialist after-hours phone line for cancer patients has been removed.
- Health Link now directs patients, raising concerns about specialized care.
- Advocacy group criticizes decision, fearing gaps in cancer care.
Natalie Kwadrans, a Calgarian living with terminal cancer, is urging health officials to restore a crucial after-hours specialist phone line for cancer patients in southern Alberta. This vital service, formerly accessible through the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, was discontinued on December 2, 2025, with patients now being directed to Health Link for assistance.
Kwadrans expressed deep concern over the quiet removal of this support, which she relied on for urgent medical issues outside of clinic hours, potentially saving her multiple ER visits. Acute Care Alberta stated that Health Link's takeover aligns with services at Edmonton's Cross Cancer Institute, aiming for provincial consistency in cancer care.
However, advocacy group Friends of Medicare argues that this provincial synchronization is cutting a valuable service for Calgary residents. They fear it will create gaps in cancer care and increase stress for patients, while also exacerbating pressure on emergency rooms. Officials have been asked to justify the decision, with concerns remaining about Health Link's capacity to provide specialized oncology support.
