The BC Cancer Agency's temporary suspension with pay and subsequent resignation of Dr. Suresh Katakkar, a medical oncologist with the BC Cancer Agency in Prince George, has understandably caused deep concern in the community.
Doctors, nurses, administrative staff and others at the BC Cancer Agency are concerned as well, and we are committed to completing our active review of all of his approximately 750 patient files, 300 of which were active, and sharing as much as is permitted.
I must stress that this is a serious, complex investigation, which the agency is dedicated to completing in a thorough manner. If we become aware of a situation in which patient care or safety was affected, those affected patients will be contacted.
In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation and respect the confidentiality of patients and Dr. Katakkar, the agency cannot go into specific details while the investigation is underway. However, the role of treatment protocols has been questioned over the recent days in regards to this case and I feel it's important to clarify the role these protocols play in providing quality care to patients.
Treatment protocols, which are based on best practice and scientific evidence, are the fundamental guiding principle for the delivery of care throughout our health care system. Protocols are used in every hospital and health care organization. They are in place for a reason: to ensure patients receive quality and safe care.
The BC Cancer Agency treatment protocols have not been developed in isolation; they have been developed by provincial specialists with extensive knowledge in the latest clinical trial research and best practices in Canada and internationally. These protocols are vital for providing the highest standard of care and safety for cancer patients, and they are why BC has some of the best outcomes in North America for many cancer types.
In order to prevent harm to patients, physicians wishing to deviate from protocol are required to obtain formal approval for treatments, and to discuss any new treatments with the BC Cancer Agency and the Agency's Research Ethics Committee (for experimental treatments) prior to providing to a patient. We endeavor to be flexible and compassionate with patients and families, in looking at treatment options while we balance the need to ensure patient safety and efficacy.
Staff at the BC Cancer Agency recognize there are times when a physician, patient and patient's family may decide to try a different treatment, especially in the late stages of the illness. The treatment protocols are meant to protect patients from enduring treatments that can do more harm than good, and that's why a process is in place to have alternative treatments reviewed by peers in the field, in a timely manner.
The process for this review is called the Compassionate Access Program and its purpose is to review non-standard treatment regimes. Requests are reviewed with priority and in general, a response is provided within approximately 24 hours to a maximum of two days for very complicated cases.
The BC Cancer Agency is working hard to ensure that Dr. Katakkar's former patients are followed up appropriately. Those patients have been, or are being reassigned to a new oncologist who will review their health information and recommend how to best continue their course of treatment. This could include maintaining their current treatment plan or other recommendations. We understand changing physicians can be stressful, and we are doing our best to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.
The BC Cancer Agency is committed to keeping our patients, our health care partners and the public in the north informed. We are actively recruiting to hire a new oncologist to replace Dr. Katakkar. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the opening of the Centre for the North later this year and thank you for your patience during this difficult time.
For patients who may have questions or concerns, the BC Cancer Agency has set up a special information phone number: 1-800-663-3333 ext. 6292.
{italic} Brian Schmidt is the interim president of the BC Cancer Agency
