By: Fernando Arce, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
A new clinic has been launched at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for cancer patients as part of its Ambulatory Care Program, meaning they’ll be able to avoid emergency department visits while accessing specialized care much closer to home — in fact, within it.
The clinic provides compassionate care for patients in the Halton Region with cancer-related fluid build-up around the lung known as Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE).
Dr. David Youssef, a respirologist and physician lead for the Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program, explains that MPE occurs when cancer spreads from its original site to the lining around the lungs, causing fluid accumulation that contains cancer cells.
“Treatment typically focuses on relieving these symptoms by draining this fluid. Before the launch of this new clinic, patients had to visit the Emergency Department whenever they developed significant symptoms — sometimes as frequently as once a week — for drainage, often enduring long wait times and in some cases even hospitalizations,” he says. “Our new clinic offers a more streamlined, compassionate and supportive approach.”
As MPE mainly affects people at the end stages of their disease, the clinic offers two innovative solutions that allow patients to drain the fluid themselves in the comfort of their own homes: The Thoracentesis allows them to use a needle that’s guided by ultrasound to drain the fluid; the other, known as a tunnelled pleural catheter, is a long-term “semi-permanent drainage solution.” To help administer and use these, patients are supported with nursing services at home as part of the clinic’s partnership with Ontario Health at Home.
“By utilizing these innovative therapeutic techniques in both outpatient and home settings, we aim to relieve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and help patients achieve a better patient experience –all while minimizing the need for frequent Emergency visits,” explains Dr. Youssef. “We are thrilled to have this specialized clinic available locally at OTMH, ensuring that patients in Halton can easily access it closer to home.”
Susan, a patient, says she has been attending the clinic twice a month since May. “Dr. Youssef and the entire team are exceptionally warm and meticulous in their approach, making each visit as timely and comfortable as possible. This procedure gives me incredible relief and I am truly grateful that it is available here at OTMH, sparing me the need for travel,” she says.
The clinic’s dedicated team also includes an interventional pulmonologist, nursing staff, administrative professionals, and a patient navigator who collaborate to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs and help manage their journey.
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