Cancer patient calls for ‘new leadership’ at Owen Sound cancer care centre

An Owen Sound woman battling cancer is calling for new leadership amid fears for the future of the town’s cancer care centre. Scott Miller reports.

Pat Kelly is fighting her third bout of cancer, but this time it’s palliative. She receives treatment at the Brightshores Cancer Care Centre, in Owen Sound, Ont.

She loves her oncologists and nurses, but fears for the future of cancer care in Owen Sound.

“I wish everybody in the country had a cancer centre like we do. But we’re going to lose ours because we cannot continue to expect two oncologists and all of those nurses to continue to keep that cancer center alive,” said Kelly.

Last November, due to a shortage of oncologists, Brightshores Health System started referring all new cancer patients not diagnosed with breast, colorectal or lung cancer to cancer centres in Barrie, Kitchener, and London.

It was news that disappointed, but did not surprise Kelly, who has been a cancer care advocate since her first diagnosis in 1987.

“They are not supported. Not supported by government, not supported by the administration, and no one is looking at the fact that we have not been able to retain, let alone replace, the oncologists we have. We have the same people doing the same job for 20 years and are not successful. It’s time for new leadership there,” said Kelly.

Brightshores says they’ve been scouring the world to try and find a third oncologist with no luck. Hospital officials say they’ve recently hired a part-time medical oncologist, which has got them back on track for the time being.

“This interim solution has minimized the impact on patients and supported our dedicated physicians and staff at the cancer centre. In September 2025, we were able to resume our full-service model at the cancer centre, eliminating the need to redirect some patients to nearby hospitals,” explained Beth Morris, vice president of clinical programs and quality, as well as chief nursing executive.

Kelly says Owen Sound’s cancer care is still on life support. If one of their two oncologists leave, she’s worried Grey-Bruce cancer patients will be once again travelling hundreds of kilometres for care. She’s written Ontario’s Ombudsman and the Ministry of Health, asking for them to intervene to save cancer care in the region.

“Cancer patients should not be begging to keep their oncologists. I think there needs to be accountability. Not because we don’t know the right things to do. It’s because I think nobody is measuring impact except the undertaker, and I don’t want to be part of those numbers. We need to fix that system,” said Kelly.

Recruitment remains “a top priority” at Brightshores, says Morris, who adds they are “fully committed to delivering exceptional cancer care.”

“Earlier this year, we were in advanced discussions with a highly promising candidate; however, that recruitment did not move forward. We remain focused and proactive in our efforts to fill this critical role and will continue to pursue every opportunity to strengthen our cancer program,” said Morris.

Kelly says legal action may be the next recourse, as she pushes for changes to the people administrating, not administering, cancer care in Owen Sound.

“It’s not just wrong morally. It’s wrong legally when you don’t deliver the standard of care. That’s what the Kraemer inquiry established. So, do we have to sue in order to get what we need? Because that’s what it looks like to me,” said Kelly.

A statement from Vice President, Clinical Programs, Quality and Chief Nursing Executive Beth Morris about recruitment efforts at Brightshores Owen Sound Cancer Care Centre

“Brightshores remains fully committed to delivering exceptional cancer care. Recruiting a third medical oncologist remains a top priority for our cancer program.

Medical oncologists are highly sought after specialists, and our recruitment efforts extend across Canada and internationally.

While this process is underway, we have secured a part-time medical oncologist to help maintain continuity of care. This interim solution has minimized the impact on patients and supported our dedicated physicians and staff at the cancer centre.

In September, we were able to resume our full-service model at the cancer centre, eliminating the need to redirect some patients to nearby hospitals. This milestone reflects our commitment to keeping care close to home.

Physician recruitment is a complex process, further challenged by the ongoing national shortage of specialists. Brightshores has much to offer to medical professionals.

Earlier this year, we were in advanced discussions with a highly promising candidate; however, that recruitment did not move forward. We remain focused and proactive in our efforts to fill this critical role and will continue to pursue every opportunity to strengthen our cancer program.

We are grateful for the strong support from our local medical community, hospital partners and the public.”