Download National Cancer Strategy Deliberative Forum, “Continuing on the

National Cancer Strategy
Deliberative Forum,
“Continuing on the Path to Excellence”
Press Conference and Media Briefing Information
Media Event: 9pm, Monday 30 May 2016
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mr Altayeb Bachir,
Senior Journalist, Ministry of Public Health
[email protected] Tel: 44070923
Mob: 33032485
2
1.
Media Invitation
2.
Press Conference and Spokespeople
3.
Forum Agenda and Sequence
4.
Distinguished Presenters
5.
Panel One and Discussion Topic
6.
Panel Two and Discussion Topic
7.
Press Release
8.
National Cancer Program Background
9.
National Cancer Strategy Review Highlights
I. MEDIA INVITATION
3
2. PRESS CONFERENCE AND SPOKESPEOPLE
Welcome to the
National Cancer Strategy Deliberative Forum,
“Continuing on the Path to Excellence”
Press Conference
Welcome to media colleagues attending tonight. Thank you for your interest in The National Cancer Strategy,
Deliberative Forum, “Continuing on the Path to Excellence.”
About the Forum
The event this evening has a dual purpose. Qatar’s first National Cancer Strategy 2011-2016 has concluded and the
event is a milestone opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the program. The
evening also invites participation via a voting platform, in order to collectively determine priorities and work
streams for the next National Cancer Strategy 2017-2022.
About the National Cancer Strategy Review
The Qatar National Cancer Strategy Review is the result of a three month multi-stakeholder evaluation to examine
the achievements, challenges and learning from the first National Cancer Strategy implementation program 20112016. The Review document is included on the media pack USB, and is available online at www.nhsq.info.
Press Conference Arrangements
Press
Conference
Location
The Press Conference will be held in the Al Nakhil Meeting Room, Sheraton Hotel.
This is opposite the Al Majlis Ballroom where the main event is being held.
Press
Conference
Spokespeople
9:00 pm



Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Chair, National Cancer Committee;
Dr. Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, Managing Director of Primary Health Care Corporation;
Dr Al-Hareth Al Khater, Acting Chair of Hematology and Oncology and Sr. Consultant
Physician, Hamad Medical Corporation.
Press Conference is opened by Dr. Al-Hareth Al Khater:
 Welcome to the Media with an outline of the Press Conference format;
 Introduction of Spokespeople.
 Each spokesperson will introduce the key achievements in implementing the National
Cancer Strategy program related to their role or organization.
To note: Voting and results from the Deliberative Forum will be available immediately as
handouts, and included in the post event press release furnished to media organizations.
9.15- 9.35 pm
4
Questions are invited from the media.
9.30pm Press conference concludes.
3. EVENT AGENDA AND SEQUENCE
Timing
Agenda
6.20 – 6.45pm
Evening Prayer
6.45 - 7.00pm
Refreshments in the foyer
7.00 - 7.05pm
Welcome and Qu’ran reading
Dr. Al-Hareth Al Khater
Opening Address
Introduction and Perspectives on the
National Cancer Strategy “Path to
Excellence”
Professor, the Lord Darzi
of Denham
7.05- 7.15pm
5
Presenter
7.15 – 7.45pm
Panel Discussion 1
“Prevention, Screening and Early
Detection”
7.45 – 7.55pm
Participant Interactive Voting
7.55 – 8.25pm
Panel Discussion 2
“Quality and Innovation in Cancer
Care”
8.25 – 8.35pm
Participant Interactive Voting
Questions 6-8
8.35 –8.45pm
Closing Address
Excellence, Innovation and Value in
Cancer Care
Sir Murray Brennan
9pm
Dinner
(Press Conference commences)
Questions 1-5
4. The National Cancer Strategy 2011 – 2016 Deliberative Forum
DISTINGUISHED PRESENTERS
Professor the Lord Darzi
of Denham.
Introduction and
Perspectives on
the National
Cancer Strategy
“Path to
Excellence.”
Excellence,
Innovation and
Value in Cancer
Care.
Sir Murray Brennan.
Welcome and
Qu’ran reading.
Dr. Al - Hareth M.
Al –Khater.
6
Opening Address by Professor, the Lord Darzi
of Denham.
Lord Darzi holds the Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery and is Director
of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College
London. He is Executive Chair of the World Innovation Summit for
Health in Qatar and in 2015, was appointed as Vice-Chair of the
Board of Governors of Sidra Medical and Research Centre. In 2011,
Lord Darzi was appointed Chair of the Qatar National Cancer
Committee and in 2014, he was awarded the Qatari Sash of
Independence by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad
Al-Thani in recognition of his contribution to Qatar’s health sector.
Closing Address by Sir Murray Brennan.
Dr. Murray Brennan is an oncologic surgeon-scientist. He was
Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center from 1985 until June 2006, and is currently
Vice President of International Programs and Director of the Bobst
International Center.
Dr. Brennan has served as Director of the American Board of
Surgery, Vice President of the American College of Surgeons,
Chairman of the American College of Surgeons Commission on
Cancer, and President of the Society of Surgical Oncology. He has
been awarded Honorary Fellowships in the Royal College of
Surgeons in Ireland, Edinburgh, England, Australasia, and the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Canada. In 2000
he received the American College of Surgeons' highest award, the
Distinguished Service Award. In January 2015 he was appointed by
Her Majesty The Queen of England as Knight Grand Companion of
the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Master of Ceremonies Dr. Al - Hareth M. Al –Khater.
Dr. Al-Khater obtained American Board certification in internal
medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He is currently a
senior consultant medical oncologist and deputy medical director at
the National Center for Cancer Care & Research, HMC. He is also a
medical advisor for the National Cancer Program in the Ministry of
Public Health. He has participated in many institutional, national &
international committees including being a member of the Qatar
National Research Ethics Committee, member of the Qatar State
Awards Trustees' Committee, member of the Advisory Committee
for the Gulf Center for Cancer Control & Prevention, Riyadh, K.S.A. &
member of the Scientific Council for the International Agency for
Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. His main interests are urological
cancers and healthcare ethics at the end of life.
5. The National Cancer Strategy 2011 – 2016 Deliberative Forum
MODERATED PANEL DISCUSSION ONE
Topic: Prevention, Screening and Early Detection
Moderated by Dr. Saad Al Kaabi, HMC Chairman of the International Medical Affairs Office.
Mrs. Aisha Al Tamimi Primary Health Care Corporation.
Patient
Mrs. Aisha Al Tamimi
Aisha Al Tamimi is an etiquette and cuisine expert who is very passionate about cooking.
She has written several cook books and have conducted many TV shows on cooking as
well as special culinary lessons for ladies. Having gained popularity, she now has more
than 15,000 followers on Instagram. Together with her loving and supportive family, she
says that she is extremely blessed and privileged to have a happy and comfortable life.
Dr Salih Ali Al-Marri
Dr Salih Ali Al-Marri
Dr. Salih Al Marri was Assistant Secretary General for Medical Affairs at the Supreme
Council of Health 2009-2016; concurrently practicing as Consultant of Family Medicine
in Hamad Medical Corporation. He gained his Bachelor’s Degree in May 1993 at the Royal
College of Surgeons Ireland, passed the Arab Board in Family Medicine in 1999; had his
clinical and academic Fellowships in the University of Toronto Canada. Dr Salih attained
his Masters in Health Care Management in May 2009.
Dr. Shaikha Sami Abushaikha
Cancer Program Manager
Dr. Shaikha Sami Abushaikha
7
Hamad Medical Corporation.
Dr. Al-Khater obtained American Board certification in internal medicine, hematology
and medical oncology. He is currently a senior consultant medical oncologist and deputy
medical director at the National Center for Cancer Care & Research, HMC. He is also a
medical advisor for the National Cancer Program in the Ministry of Public Health.
Fiona Bonas
Director
Mrs. Fiona Bonas
Primary Health Care Corporation.
As the Cancer Program Manager at the Primary Health Care Corporation Dr. Shaikha
Abushaika plays a vital role in promoting education, awareness and detection of breast
and bowel cancer through early screening. Her mandate is to expand preventive and
community-based care and connect more effectively with the public. With a Doctor of
Medicine (MD) Degree from the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain 2000, she then
passed the Arab Board exam in 2010. Then she graduated with a healthcare care
management masters at the Royal college of surgeons in Ireland 2012.
Dr. Al - Hareth M. Al –Khater
Deputy Medical Director, NCCCR
Dr. Al - Hareth M. Al –Khater
Ministry of Public Health.
National Cancer Program.
Fiona Bonas MSc BA PGDip,RN JP, has worked at the Qatar Ministry of Public Health for
4 years as the Director of the National Cancer Program. She has worked closely with all
stakeholders in Qatar to implement a large scale change and transformation program
across the state’s health system; the Qatar National Cancer strategy (2011-2016).
Prior to this she worked for 10 years as a Director in the UK NHS.
6. The National Cancer Strategy 2011 – 2016 Deliberative Forum
MODERATED PANEL DISCUSSION TWO
Topic: Quality and Innovation in Patient Care
Moderated by Dr Abdulla Al Ansari, HMC Deputy Chief
of Medical, Academic and Research Affairs.
Mr. Roger Wickham – Patient
Mr. Roger Wickham
Mr. Wickham was born and grew up in Brighton. He is a graduate of Manchester Polytechnic
with an honours degree in Economics in 1991. He became a professional musician in 1992.
In 2007 he moved to Madrid in Spain with his family and continued to work as a
professional musician until moving to Doha in 2013. He is currently signed to Lovemonk
Records in Spain and has an album ready for release upon his return to health. He has also
released records for major labels including EMI, Universal, MTV, Ministry of Sound and
Freestyle Records as well as working with many artists such as Badly Drawn Boy, The Happy
Mondays, The Doves, Roy Ayres, Embrace, The New Mastersounds and Rae & Christian.
Dr. Noora Al Hammadi
Chair of Radiotherapy
Dr. Noora Al Hammadi
8
Sidra Medical and Research Centre.
Dr. Francesco Marincola is the inaugural Chief Research Officer of Sidra Medical and
Research Centre, and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar. Dr.
Marincola was a tenured investigator at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 2003, he
founded the Journal of Translational Medicine and the sister Journal Translational Medicine
Communications,(currently Editor-in-Chief). He is also Co-Editor-in-Chief, Clinical and
Translational Medicine, and US Senior Editor of Immunotherapy, Associate Editor for The
Journal of Immunotherapy. Dr. Marincola is also the immediate past-president of the Society
for the Immunotherapy of Cancer and received his MD, summa cum laude from Milan
University.
Mr. David Flory, CBE
Chief of Tertiary Hospitals Group
Mr. David Flory
National Centre for Cancer Care & Research.
Dr. Noora Al Hammadi is the Chairperson of the Department of Radiation Oncology and a
Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist and active member of the senior leadership team, at
the National Centre for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR). She is also an Assistant Professor,
Clinical Radiation Oncology at the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC-Q).
Dr. Al Hammadi has a subspecialty interest in Breast Radiation Oncology and she is a current
member of the HMC Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Site Group. In addition to her clinical
and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Al Hammadi is the Qatar program manager for the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) QUATRO program and she chairs several
regional training programs in radiation oncology under the IAEA.
Dr Francesco Marincola
Chief Research Officer
Dr Francesco Marincola
Hamad Medical Corporation.
Hamad Medical Corporation.
Mr. David Flory CBE, joined HMC as Chief of the Tertiary Hospitals Group in October 2015.
Mr Flory is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the majority of the
Doha hospital campus. This includes Hamad General Hospital, the Women’s Hospital, the
Heart Hospital and the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research. He is also responsible
for the commissioning and operation of the new Medical City hospitals, together with the
Chief of Continuing Care.
7. PRESS RELEASE
The Ministry of Public Health Organizes the National Cancer Strategy
2011-2016 Deliberative Forum
Doha 30 May 2016: On Monday 30 May 2016, The Ministry of Public Health organized the
National Cancer Strategy 2011-2016 Deliberative Forum, in collaboration with Hamad
Medical Corporation and Primary Healthcare Corporation. Her Excellency Dr. Hanan
Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, attended the forum, as well as senior officials
and leading experts in the health sector, and representatives from the Qatar Cancer Society,
along with patients who have been treated in Qatar and members of voluntary organizations
with an interest in cancer care.
Highlights from the last five years include; a cancer public education and awareness program;
the introductions of new roles in cancer care, such as patient pathway coordinators and
clinical nurse specialists, aimed at improving patient outcomes and experience; populationbased screening for breast and bowel cancer; the development of an urgent suspected cancer
referral pathway that sees the vast majority of patients have their first appointment at HMC
within 48 hours of referral from PHCC; and the opening of a palliative care unit at the NCCCR.
In addition, several new cancer services have been developed, using advanced treatment and
diagnostic technologies, such as; the Hamad PET CT Center; NCCCR’s CyberKnife; adaptive
brachytherapy to treat cervical cancers; MR-Guided Focused Ultra Sound to treat bone
metastases and the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program, currently being used to
provide autologous transplants to patients with hematological cancers, but the possibilities
for development are significant.
Her Excellency Dr. Hanan was delighted with the success of the National Cancer Strategy
2011–2016. “Over the last five years there have been monumental changes in the way cancer
is identified, diagnosed and treated in the State of Qatar. Patients are now able to be treated in
Qatar by leading specialists, using world-class treatment techniques and technologies. We
must continue to evolve and develop, in line with international best practice and
benchmarking ourselves against the very best in the world. There is still work to be done in
supporting the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer, and we must continue
to invest in cancer research so the best possible treatments are available to our population.”
At the forum, there were panel discussions with representatives from across the cancer care
9
continuum, including patients.
Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, leading cancer surgeon and Chair National Cancer
Committee, played a key role in the event. He was very proud of the work done by everyone to
achieve so much in just five years. “The growth and development in processes and pathways
for cancer has been exceptional.” He said. “This would not have been possible without the
commitment and dedication of all those represented at this event this evening. All the
stakeholders in cancer care came together over the last five years to bring about a huge
change program and they committed time, resources and their passion to the common goal of
improving outcomes and experiences of cancer patients in Qatar. This is a rare thing to see
anywhere in the world and the State of Qatar should be very proud of their achievements.
Looking foreward, the future is bright. The same level of dedication to our goals exists and I
believe cancer care in Qatar could very soon be world-leading; a beacon for others.”
Dr. Mariam AbdulMalik, Managing Director of PHCC, was also present at the event.
“For PHCC, a key area for us is the continued development of the screening program for the
State of Qatar. We want to ensure everyone who is offered screening, takes it up and that we
are able to catch cancer earlier. There is still some public education required to make this a
reality and we have been working ceaselessly at raising awareness about breast and bowel
cancer and the life-saving benefits of early screening. Such progress includes the launch of
new initiatives coupled with events and activities to reach out to a wider audience. The
deployment of our Mobile Screening Unit intensifies these efforts. Our goal is
to promote community-based care with a view to help save the lives of families and loved
ones and connect more effectively with the public, and this was the purpose of our panel
discussion”
The second panel of the forum looked at quality and innovation in patient care and discussed
continued developments and improvements to ensure the very best care to patients in Qatar.
Dr. Al Hareth Al Khater, Assistant Chairman for Hematology and Oncology at the NCCCR, HMC,
said that patients speak to him about the quality of care they receive. “I have really noticed an
increase in overall patient satisfaction at Hamad in the last five years and, at NCCCR, we have
also started to measure this on a consistent basis to ensure we continue to meet our patients’
needs. The progress that has been made in cancer care over the course of the 2011-2016
strategy is phenomenal and we are very proud of the quality of care and services we can offer
at the NCCCR. People from all over the organization have contributed to getting us to where
we are today – it has been a whole multi-disciplinary team effort.”
The outcomes from the forum, along with the reflections on the 2011-2016 strategy and input
10
from across the healthcare sector, will now be used to develop a framework for the next five
years (2017-2022) to continue to build on the good work that has already taken place.
8. NATIONAL CANCER PROGRAM BACKGROUND
Why does Qatar need a National Cancer Strategy?
The National Cancer Strategy contributes to the human development pillar of the Qatar
National Vision 2030, which recognizes that health is vital to the success of the nation.
Qatar’s ever growing and aging population forecasts a 10 fold increase in the number of
residents over the age of 60 by 2050 –this meant that it was important to provide “strategic
clarity, involving all levels of healthcare provision and the people of Qatar.”
What did the National Cancer program aim to achieve?

The National Cancer Strategy: The Path to Excellence was launched in 2011 and
outlined a 5 year plan to design and build comprehensive, integrated cancer services,
including education, prevention, screening and research.

The National Cancer Strategy has the ultimate aim to significantly reduce the burden
of cancer in the State of Qatar and to strive to provide cancer care at a standard of
excellence.

Qatar’s National Cancer Strategy is a critical part of the National Health Strategy
(2011-16) and demonstrates progress in transforming the health sector and
developing integrated health services.
How was the National Cancer Strategy developed?
The development and implementation of the Strategy has been based on three core
principles: international best practice, providing care tailored to the unique needs of Qatar
and, working in partnership with patients and wider public.
Following an international best practice review to understand the approach different
countries were taking to cancer, a National Cancer Stakeholder Committee was established to
guide development of the strategy, ensuring that the end result was fit for the context of
Qatar. Additionally, a series of deliberative events, large-scale public discussions attended by
over 300 people, were held to test various elements of the strategy throughout its
development. Based on the deliberative feedback and on the best practice review, the strategy
11
took a comprehensive approach to improving cancer care, starting with prevention, through
to all aspects necessary to provide high quality treatment.
How was the National Cancer Strategy developed, contin…
The strategy identified 9 domain areas that would meet its overarching goal to provide cancer
care at a standard of excellence:
1. Education and understanding
2. Prevention
3. Early detection
4. Rapid and Definitive diagnosis
5. Treatment
6. Ongoing care
7. Measuring performance
8. Workforce
9. Research
What is the purpose of the National Cancer Strategy Review?
The National Cancer Strategy Review sets out to examine the
impact the strategy has made on cancer care in Qatar since
implementation began in 2011. As a result of the National
Cancer Strategy, the World Health Organization inaugurated
Qatar into the IARC (International Agency for Research on
Cancer), the first GCC country to do so. However most
importantly, the review gives tangible evidence of how
patients in 2016 receive better standards of care than five
years ago.
National Cancer Strategy Review ~ By the Numbers
When the National Cancer Strategy was launched it contained 62 recommendations across the 9
domains**, in line with the core principles.
Of these 62 recommendations, as of December 2015, 36 have been fully completed, with significant
progress made against the remaining 26, which are all in the implementation phase.
12
9. NATIONAL CANCER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Key ways in which the National Cancer Strategy is delivering better health outcomes
for patients.
Population based Breast and Bowel Screening Service, PHCC
The first national screening program was inaugurated by the previous Minister of Health, H.E.
Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani in January 2016 at Al Wakra Primary Healthcare Centre and
features a custom designed suite to provide services in a safe, comforting environment. In
March 2016, the PHCC Leabaib screening center opened; to be followed by a third screening
center at Rawdat Al Khalil, as well as the launch of the mobile screening van to deliver a
comprehensive and convenient population based breast and bowel screening service for
Qatar.
Introduction of Urgent Suspected Cancer referral, PHCC
A process to ensure urgent suspected cancer cases are seen by a specialist within 48 hours
was implemented in 2012. The Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral system streamlines
processes to guarantee patients are seen rapidly. This 48-hour target is among the shortest in
the world.
First Patient Pathway Coordinators employed at NCCCR
Introduced in 2011, Patient Pathway Coordinators play a key role in coordinating care for
every patient who comes in to the service by helping them along every step of their journey,
from suspicion of cancer to diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This close relationship is
designed to ensure patients experience seamless care and can access all the services they
need, when they need them, helping to relieve some of the pressure patients and their
families often feel when receiving treatment.
Introduction of advanced Clinical Nurse Specialists at NCCCR
During 2012, Hamad’s Cancer Transformation Team introduced the role of the Clinical Nurse
Specialist (CNS). CNS’s are nurses with post-registration education in cancer nursing and have
13
a number of years of experience in a particular aspect of cancer care.
Specialist Multi-Disciplinary Teams in place for 14 cancers
Creating Multi-disciplinary Teams (MDTs) of cancer specialists made up of physicians,
surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses and oncologists with specialist knowledge and
skills in different cancer types has made a significant impact on patient care. The MDTs focus
on the clinical, radiological and pathological features of each individual patient case and make
recommendations about treatment and care tailored for individual needs.
Opening of PET-CT at HMC
The PET-CT Center opened in 2012 and houses a state of the art combination PET-CT scanner,
an imaging system that gives physicians highly defined, three-dimensional pictures of both
form and function inside a patient's body. PET-CT imaging is promising for the diagnosis of a
variety of conditions. The images can be used by doctors to plan precise radiation therapies
that target cancer cells but avoid healthy cells, and also to monitor response to treatment.
Palliative Care Unit Opened at NCCCR
The National Center for Cancer Care formally opened its new 10-bed Supportive and Palliative
Care Unit (SPCU) in December 2014. One of the recommendations of the National Cancer
Strategy was the refurbishment of a ward area to provide cancer patients with an
environment, which would help them cope with the symptoms and pain of an incurable
disease. The SPCU aims to ensure the best possible quality of life, supporting patients and
their families in a dedicated, specialized environment.
The Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR)
Developed in 2014, and managed by the National Cancer Program at MoPH. The National
Cancer Registry plays a crucial and important role in providing quality and standardized data,
to inform all levels of government and health systems. The QNCR now collects information
about all tumors diagnosed, treated or managed within the State of Qatar via an online
application to produce an annual Cancer incidence report.
National Clinical Guidelines, MOPH
MoPH in collaboration with key partners have developed and published National Clinical
Management Guidelines for 11 cancers, these guidelines will become the standard of care for
14
the state of Qatar. The development of these guidelines will provide clear pathways for the
management of Cancer patients and will be subject to bi-annual review. In addition to the
clinical management guidelines MoPH have also developed 3 screening guidelines for the
management of Breast, bowel and cervical cancers.
Advanced treatment technologies

Adaptive Brachytherapy
In 2014 a team from the Department of Radiation Oncology at NCCCR successfully
implemented a sophisticated initiative – Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Adaptive
Brachytherapy (MR-IGABT) – for the treatment of patients with advanced cervical cancer.
MR-IGABT is an evidence-based treatment technique that can significantly improve the
results of treatment in cases of inoperable cervical cancer.

MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound
Also in 2014, the Department of Radiation Oncology at NCCCR completed the successful
launch of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound for the treatment of cancer that has metastasized
(spread) to the bones. The National Center for Cancer Care and Research is the first hospital
in the GCC region and one of only seventeen centers globally with the capacity to perform
these treatments under MRI guidance.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
In 2015, The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit (HSCTU) performed its first autologous
transplants. It is an example of highly specialized medicine and represents the start of the
application of cellular therapy for the treatment of cancer. The initial outcomes of the SCT
Program, such as day 100 post transplant survival, are comparable to internationally set
benchmarks and the patients’ experience is remarkable.
15