MEDICAL
ONCOLOGY MEDICAL CENTRE OF THE YEAR IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
ICON CANCER CENTRE
As the world grapples with COVID-19 , Icon Cancer Centre in Singapore has not only ensured cancer patients are not left vulnerable but has continued to grow from strength to strength .
The centre is part of the Icon Group , Australia ’ s largest dedicated provider of cancer care with a growing reach into Asia . The Singapore business has been a pillar of the region ’ s cancer care landscape and has continued to elevate the standard of care across the Asia-Pacific . Delivering a holistic approach to cancer care , Icon provides the full spectrum of oncology services , including medical oncology , haematology , radiation oncology , access to clinical trials , and health screening to support early diagnosis .
When COVID-19 struck Singapore , Icon was able to respond swiftly due to the team ’ s vast experience . Committed to ensuring patients could continue to be treated safely , Icon rapidly pivoted to change protocols and instigated new ways of thinking . When Singapore ’ s borders closed , it was vital for Icon to adapt . Its unique shared-care model forms the basis of its robust medical tourism service which connects regional patients to acute cancer treatment and clinicians in Singapore , while enabling them to access local home-based medical care to manage ongoing health and followup appointments .
Icon ASEAN CEO , Serena Wee , said this was an important part of continuing to be leaders in oncology and ensuring cancer patients could still have critical treatment even when borders were closed .
“ We understand that , as a leading
Serena Wee
healthcare company , we have a duty of care . Some of the most vulnerable people in society rely on us . So we moved fast to introduce tele-health consultations not only locally , but across ASEAN , organised home delivery of prescription medications , and , where possible , helped patients apply for medical waivers to travel to Singapore for life-saving treatment that was not available locally . Alongside our established shared care network we were able to arrange necessary treatment for our regional patients locally , which was supported by our oncologists ’ treatment plan and advice . Having strong clinical networks ready in our patients ’ home countries ensured they remained safe throughout this challenging time ,” said Wee .
Over the past four years , Icon has seen unparalleled evolution in Singapore , growing from four to seven centres and six to 14 doctors , while introducing haematology and radiation oncology . Last year , Icon introduced Icon Health Screening , which provides a holistic approach to health management for a range of health conditions with seamless access to diagnostic services .
While tackling COVID-19 , Icon has continued to introduce new services . One of these is the launch of its Young Women ’ s Cancer Programme , which is uniquely dedicated to supporting women with cancer from diagnosis and treatment through to connecting them with specialists and appropriate support groups for their individual concerns . Icon also recently introduced palliative medicine services and paediatric oncology to deliver the best possible care to cancer patients of all ages and stages .
Icon is also further expanding its expertise of integrated oncology with the new Integrated Oncology Service at Mount Alvernia Hospital , set to open in early 2022 . This stateof-the-art centre will bring together all aspects of cancer treatment and will be a centre of excellence for the ongoing improvement of healthcare across the region . It will also be home to the Varian Medical Systems regional training hub for radiation oncologists , medical physicists , and radiation therapists and will be aimed at upskilling medical professionals across Southeast Asia .
“ Cancer doesn ’ t stop , so neither can we . Icon will continue to build upon our services to help cancer patients and their families , and , as long as we keep the patient at the heart , we can ’ t go wrong ,” said Wee .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com 2020 AWARDS SPECIAL
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