Integration of cancer services in Ontario: the story of getting it done

Leaders in healthcare have known for years that integrating service delivery makes sense, yet paradoxically across Canada, despite major system restructuring, cancer care has remained the exception. In Ontario it was recognized that this was an area both ripe for and in need of change. The economic impact associated with the growing burden of cancer in Ontario has been well documented. Also well documented are the potential solutions for how cancer services could be better integrated and organized to improve efficiency and quality of care. Until recently, however, little action was taken. Traditional biases, turf protection, political minefields and perhaps even restructuring fatigue have been excuses to stand still.