Awards Recognize Cancer Health Professionals, Volunteers

NOTE: Full biographies of this year’s recipients can be found at www.cancercare.ns.ca/awards .
Cancer Care Nova Scotia will recognize a health administrator, a medical oncologist, a cancer patient navigator, and a volunteer today, Nov. 26, at its Celebrating Excellence event.

The annual Excellence Awards in leadership and patient care will be presented to people who have helped further cancer prevention, treatment, and care for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families.

The Excellence Awards were introduced in 2009 to mark the 10th anniversary of Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

“All who answer the call to serve cancer patients and families are dedicated to easing the journey for those impacted by this family of diseases,” said Cathy Blades, Cancer Care Nova Scotia board member and chair of the 2014 Excellence Awards committee. “The Excellence Awards is an opportunity to pause for a moment and acknowledge the nominees, recipients and all who routinely go above and beyond for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families.”

The 2014 Excellence Awards are presented in area of leadership, patient care for volunteer, and patient care for a health professional.

Victoria Sullivan, Halifax, health administrator, Capital Health, is receiving the leadership award for her work as director of the Capital Health Cancer Care program where her leadership has helped improve Nova Scotia’s overall cancer system.

Stasia Digou, South Bar, Cape Breton District Health Authority, is receiving the volunteer award. Ms. Digou has volunteered for 11 years at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre where she has been instrumental in developing and maintaining several important programs.

Both Dr. Mary (Mimi) Davis, Halifax, and Joanne Cumminger, New Glasgow, are both receiving the award for professionals.

Before retiring in April, Dr. Davis was dedicated to providing patient-centred care, working to improve access to cancer services to Nova Scotians outside Halifax, decreasing travel time for patients.

Ms. Cumminger has educated, supported and navigated more than 2,500 individual cancer patients and families in the Pictou County Health Authority in the last 12 years as a cancer patient navigator. She has been a nurse for 38 years.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia, a Department of Health and Wellness program, was created in 1998 to facilitate quality cancer prevention and care for Nova Scotians. Through professional education, and developing clinical standards, Cancer Care Nova Scotia supports health professionals in providing patients with high-quality care.

Source: Release

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