Osler recognized for excellence in cancer and palliative care as one of three ESMO centres in Canada

William Osler Health System (Osler) is pleased to announce that it was re-accredited as a European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Designated Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care for the 2023-2025 time period. Osler was initially accredited by ESMO in 2019 and is the only Canadian community hospital and one of only three centres in Canada with this designation, along with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Program.

Introduced in 2003, the ESMO Designated Centres Accreditation Programme recognizes cancer centres that provide highly integrated oncology and palliative care services, with the objective of improving research, education and clinical practice by establishing standards for service development. There are currently more than 250 institutes from 54 countries worldwide that meet this designation. The centres need to fulfill 13 criteria, based on recommendations from the World Health Organization guidelines on the provision of palliative care for patients with cancer.

Located primarily at Brampton Civic Hospital, Osler’s Oncology and Palliative Care Program provides exceptional cancer care to residents in Brampton, north Etobicoke and surrounding areas. The program serves a diverse community and provides high-quality cancer care including prevention and throughout the trajectory of the disease including assessment, treatment, support, follow-up, palliative and end of life care. Osler has a fully integrated supportive and palliative care team that works collaboratively with other inter-professional teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings to provide care and support for oncology patients and their families.

It is expected that by 2038, the number of cancer cases in communities served by Osler will double. By 2028, radiation therapy is anticipated to increase by more than 60% in these areas. In an effort to address the growing demand for specialized health care, plans for a comprehensive cancer care centre at Osler’s Brampton Civic, are in the works. This new centre will bring cancer services closer to home. To ensure better access to care, Osler is dedicated to exploring opportunities to advance clinical programs to address the ever-changing needs of its communities.

For more information about ESMO and oncology and palliative care at Osler, please visit:

• ESMO Accredited Designated Centres
• Osler’s Oncology Program
• Osler’s Palliative Care Program