Are the supportive care physicians at InspireHealth general practitioners or oncologists?
Our supportive care physicians are trained as family doctors and have special interest in supportive cancer care. They will work with your family doctor and/or oncologist and are not meant to replace them.
What does InspireHealth think of chemotherapy, radiation, and other standard treatments?
InspireHealth honours and values standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery when recommended by our specialist physician colleagues. All of our offerings and evidence-based supportive care services are intended to complement any treatment that may be offered or that a patient may be receiving. We offer our services to patients who may not be undergoing treatment as well. Patients are encouraged to play an active role in their own care and recovery program. Respecting patient choice and autonomy is paramount and very empowering to patients attending our programs and services.
Is there communication between my regular doctor, oncologist, and my InspireHealth supportive care physician?
Yes. Upon request, we would send a letter to the physicians who have been involved in your care, and we would be happy to connect with them, as needed.
Who can participate in your programs?
Anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis, currently or in the past, can participate in our programs. The programs are designed for adults aged 16 and older. No referral is necessary.
What can I do if I don’t have the energy to attend the LIFE Program?
We strive to make you as comfortable as possible during the program by providing mats, blankets, reclining chairs, and pillows, as needed. Many of our patients come to the program with a support person to assist them or take notes.
If you are not able to attend the program, your support person is more than welcome to attend on your behalf. If sections of the program are missed due to illness or conflicting appointments, please ask our front desk staff for details regarding covering the missed information.
If you have a cold or the flu on the program days, please re-book for a later date, as we may have participants attending who have a compromised immune system.
Can I become a patient at InspireHealth without going through the LIFE Program?
Yes.
Do I need a referral to participate? Is there any fee for seeing the doctor?
No referral is necessary to see a medical doctor. InspireHealth is free-of-charge to those with a valid provincial health card.
Are support people welcome to attend InspireHealth’s programs?
Yes! Support people who become a Support member may attend the LIFE Program, the Support members’ support group as well as other selected classes. For classes, priority is given to cancer patients, so please call ahead for space availability and to find out which other classes are available for attendance.
What happens if I cannot attend an appointment or class? Is there a cancellation policy?
If you cannot attend a class or appointment, we kindly request that you notify us as soon as possible. A minimum of 24 hour notice is appreciated as this will enable us to accommodate other members on the waiting list.
