Radiation Therapy Services

Radiation Therapy Suite

A Unique Partnership

Radiation treatment services are available for Algoma District residents in Sault Ste Marie and area. The Radiation Oncology affiliation between SAH and Health Sciences North Regional Cancer Program in Sudbury epitomizes a truly unique partnership.

In fact, the level of integration puts it in a class of its own in Canada.

The new radiation treatment unit represents a leap forward for cancer patients in the District by allowing for the provision of radiation treatment closer to home. But while it may exist as a solitary unit, it is far from stand-alone. In fact, the unit is an integrated program that spans from the Sault to Sudbury – a dedicated multi-disciplinary team where support runs in both directions.

All equipment and systems are compatible and integrated between SAH and Health Sciences North for seamless provision of service, accompanied by well-established technical and process standards and a significant body of experience.

Health Sciences North's radiation therapists and medical physicists are based in Sault Ste. Marie and they enjoy professional partnerships with colleagues in Sudbury who share their passion for providing the highest level of cancer care. Radiation Oncologists provide clinical leadership and consultation, and oversee treatment at both sites (consultations for some specialized cases may occur at the Regional Cancer Program in Sudbury).

Clerical, nursing and supportive care staff are employed by SAH.

The affiliate radiation service began in April 2011 (consultation, radiation planning, delivery, and follow up).

Our Patients Benefit

With approximately 400 to 450 patients from the Algoma District requiring cancer radiation treatment each year, there is no question that residents of Algoma will benefit by having this essential service closer to home.

The advantages to the patient are significant. Rather than having to travel three hours or more, and be apart from family and personal support systems at a critical time in their lives – all for treatments that may last only minutes each day – most patients will now be able to live at home and go about their normal day-to-day activities.

Residents from surrounding areas outside of Sault Ste. Marie will enjoy shorter travel times, more familiar surroundings, and be able to access subsidized lodgings in the community.

Radiation treatment is an important treatment option for approximately 40%-50% of cancer patients. By delivering a localized dose of high energy x-rays to the cancer cells, the cells are damaged, preventing them from being able to reproduce.

The treatment is delivered externally by a machine called a Linear Accelerator (LINAC), which produces high energy x-rays. Radiation treatment has proven beneficial in treating a variety of different cancers; delivered under very controlled conditions by a team of expert staff. Medical radiation therapists and physicists train for many years, and operate under very strict guidelines in order to deliver safe and effective care. Radiation Oncologists from Sudbury will be on site regularly to monitor patients and oversee/ensure that all their care requirements are met.

Access to new technology will allow SAH and Health Sciences North to be the first to successfully integrate their radiation treatment programs from such a distance, and both hospitals are proud of this unique collaboration to be able to take full advantage of this innovation and enhance the delivery of health care services in Northeastern Ontario.

Ultimately, residents of the Algoma District will continue to receive the superior cancer care services they have come to expect, while enjoying improved access and all the advantages and comforts of home.