On Thursday, July 17, Partners Community Health (PCH), in collaboration with Mississauga Health, CarePoint Health and Indus Community Services, hosted its first-ever on-site cancer screening clinic for female long-term care staff, bringing vital preventive health services directly to the workplace.
The event offered education and screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer in a private, accessible mobile vehicle. Staff were able to receive care without taking time off, arranging transportation, or securing a referral, barriers that often delay screening.
“Today is about our people. It’s about making sure the women who care for others every single day have access to the care they need for themselves,” said Tess Romain, President & CEO at PCH. “This event reflects our commitment to health equity and our deep appreciation for the dedication of our frontline teams.”
The event also welcomed the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, who toured the mobile unit and met with frontline staff, reinforcing the province’s commitment to ensuring staff stay healthy and supported.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when partners come together with a shared purpose,” said Lindsay Wingham-Smith, Executive Director, Mississauga Health. “By identifying a real need among long-term care staff and collaborating to meet that need, we’re not only improving cancer screening, but we’re delivering education and care in a way that’s meaningful, comfortable, and familiar. Meeting people where they are makes all the difference.”
Over the course of the day, over 20 female staff attended screening appointments while those without appointments learned about cancer prevention and accessed education and resources from community partners.
“Cancer screening is a simple yet powerful tool that can quite literally save lives. Accessible cancer screenings are designed to catch pre-cancerous and early-stage cancers when they are most treatable,” explains Dr. Sundeep Banwatt, Family Physician and Clinical Director at CarePoint Health. “It is essential to create spaces like this that make healthcare access feel safe, inclusive, and accessible.”
Giveaways, raffles, and engagement booths created a positive and supportive atmosphere, with dozens of staff participating throughout the day.
The event also aligned with PCH’s July Belonging@PCH theme of Wellness, reinforcing our shared responsibility to foster an inclusive workplace that supports the health and wellness of every individual we serve.
“Many of our staff are women of colour working long shifts in frontline roles. This initiative gave them an opportunity to prioritize their own health, where they work,” said Kathy Lashley, Director, Strategy and Governance. “We’re proud to make access to healthcare easier right here at PCH.”
PCH is committed to continuing its work in health equity and preventive care for all staff, residents and families.
