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Terms of Reference

Goal
 
To improve quality and access to cancer care and community resources in Atlantic Canada through communication, collaboration, and information sharing. 
 
Broad Level Objectives

  • Identify common processes and gaps that impact cancer patients’ quality and access to care in Atlantic Canada, from the perspective of front-line workers and patients.
  • Improve cancer care provision through achievable actions
  • Serve as a collaborative multidisciplinary forum to address cancer care gaps across the spectrum of hospital and community care.
  • Be a resource to other stakeholders in addressing cancer care delivery to Atlantic Canadians.

 
Guiding Principles

  • Focus energy on achievable actions that are patient focused
  • Foster open communication and transparency
  • Build collaborative capacity in addressing cancer care gaps
  • Improve efficiencies and avoid duplication with other initiatives
  • Encourage and support partnership development
  • Obtain multidisciplinary input in identifying priorities and developing strategy & action plans
  • Remain patient focused

 
Membership Composition & Term
 
Chair of the Network: 2 year term with the option of extending
Treasurer of the Network: 1 year term with the option of extending
Two representatives from each of the 4 provinces: 2 year term with the option of extending
 
Resources
 
External Consultant
In-kind secretarial support when required
 
 
Funding Support
 
Seed Funding for the establishment of the Oncology Network is provided by the Pharmaceutical industry through an unrestricted grant. Additional funding is provided by other organizations and will be largely event/initiative based. Full disclosure of Network spend is provided twice a year to all supporting organizations.
 
Financial Arrangements
 
No Network members shall be remunerated for being or acting as a Network member. The Atlantic Canada Oncology Network will provide support for travel expenses and other incidentals when appropriate.
 
Meeting Frequency
 
The Network meets quarterly with one or two annual face-to-face meetings and quarterly conference calls
 
Sub-Committees
 
The Network may establish sub-committees, when necessary, to fulfill established priorities.
 
Terms of Reference Review
 
The terms of reference for the Network will be reviewed every year or more frequently as required.