Facing cancer is a difficult journey that becomes even more challenging when coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic. To support patients and their families through this experience, the BC Cancer – Victoria Patient and Family Counselling Team came up with innovative ways to enhance counselling and support services. This team transitioned to virtual patient appointments, support groups, patient education series and created new services and programs.

The BC Cancer – Victoria Patient and Family Counselling Team received a 2021 BC Cancer Excellence Award in the category of Innovation and Discovery in Action for their work in enhancing access to support services during the pandemic. Team members recognized for this award include Marita Poll, Laura Daly, Kathy Green, Paula Myers, Beth Burton-Krahn and Josie Hessels.

This group of exceptional clinicians are pillars in supporting patients and families through their experience with cancer. The BC Cancer – Victoria Patient and Family Counselling Team is described as "a strong, dynamic team whose innovative brilliance is leading the way in supporting our patients." Each team member has an attitude of compassion, a strong work ethic and is open to finding innovative ways to supporting our patients.

L to R: Josie Hessels, Kathy Green, Paula Myers, Marita Poll, Laura Daly, and Beth Burton-Krahn.

One of their colleagues shared, "The COVID-19 pandemic enabled this team to be creative in developing online Zoom groups and transitioned 1:1 appointments to a virtual platform. This innovation has led to meeting the needs of the patients in ways that we have not done before. This team works together in using their individual strengths to ultimately provide excellent patient care to our patients."

Congratulations to the BC Cancer – Victoria Patient and Family Counselling Team on receiving this year's Innovation & Discovery in Action Award!

Visit bccancer.bc.ca/awards for more information on our awards.