Cancer patients at risk over closure: Doctor
EDMONTON, AB (November 21, 2011): The Alberta government must immediately stop the scheduled closure of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre pathology lab pending a review of claims by an internationally renowned cancer pathologist and former Calgary doctor that the closure could jeopardize Alberta cancer patients.
The closure is scheduled to take place Nov. 30, after which all cancer testing done at Tom Baker will be transferred to another lab – a lab the former Director of Pathology at Tom Baker says that doesn’t have the experience to administer crucial tests on breast cancer samples that determine how the disease will be treated.
Now, after opposing the closure for nearly two years and being threatened by Superboard officials for doing so, Dr. Tony Magliocco is speaking out – saying it could ultimately result in the deaths of Alberta cancer patients.
“They’re playing with lives,” Magliocco said. “I’ve done all that I possibly can to have this closure stopped. Nobody in authority has told me why it’s happening and I have no confidence that it’s in any way for the better. Cancer pathology experts have been entirely ignored throughout this process. The bottom line is cancer patients will be put at serious risk if this closure and transfer goes through. It needs to be stopped.”
Magliocco, who resigned his position over the dispute in August and has since taken a new position in Florida, has opposed the closure and transfer since it was first proposed about two years ago.
He has also reached out to Dr. Chris Eagles, Ken Hughes, former Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky and, most recently, the CEO of the Health Quality Council of Alberta Dr. John Cowell to raise his concerns.
His advocacy was met with stern warnings and threats, including a letter from the Superboard’s head of pathology and lab medicine for Calgary saying “If you join us unhappily and cause trouble, I can assure you would regret it.”
“I call on Premier Alison Redford and Health Minister Fred Horne to stop this closure and investigate Dr. Magliocco’s startling claims,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said. “Patient safety and well-being must be assured before any closure and transition is made.”
Wildrose Health Critic Heather Forsyth thanked Dr. Magliocco for coming forward with his story in the face of threats and intimidation and re-iterated the need for a judge-led public inquiry.
“Dr. Magliocco – like so many other doctors we’ve heard from – was bullied and intimidated simply for advocating for his patients,” Forsyth said. “This is why we need a judicial public inquiry. How many more cases like this are out there?”
Forsyth adds:
“In all of my conversations with Dr. Magliocco, it was never about him. He said to me, ‘Don’t feel sad for me, I’ve landed on my feet and I have a good job. I’m moving on. You need to feel sad for what’s happening in Alberta.’”
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