Patient Education Symposium: Where those impacted by cancer can share their voices

March 11, 2025

The South West Regional Cancer Program (SWRCP) is hosting a Patient Education Symposium on Saturday, April 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Stratford, Ontario at Grayson Mills (114 Erie Street, N5A 2M4).

Who is invited to attend?

The Patient Education Symposium invites those impacted by cancer including patients (current and former), family members and caregivers from the southwest region to share experiences with cancer care patient education and to participate in cancer care-related discussions. The discussions and feedback will help shape the SWRCP’s 2025/2026 patient education strategy.

There are virtual and in-person options, with limited virtual spots. The SWRCP team encourages in-person attendance for the benefits of meeting face-to-face with other individuals impacted by cancer and to engage more extensively with others at the event.

If you are unable to attend in-person, you can register to attend virtually.  

If you need to cancel your registration, please contact the email address noted on the Eventbrite page.

What is the SWRCP and what is considered the southwest region?

The SWRCP is one of 13 regional cancer programs in Ontario that oversee cancer care quality. Grey Bruce, Huron, Perth, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin and part of Norfolk counties encompass the southwest region. The SWRCP ensures patients receive consistent, high-quality care, regardless of where they get it in the region.

What are the event details?

The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. when refreshments will be served. Registration is required because there will be assigned seating for tables at the event to ensure discussion groups have equal numbers.

The agenda will consist of four main sections: Navigating Cancer and Healthcare Information, After Treatment and Survivorship, a community partner presentation and discussion around the 2025/2026 Regional Patient Education priorities.

Each section will start with a presentation and be followed by a discussion period. There will be a facilitator and a notetaker at each table, with the facilitator guiding the group through discussion questions and the notetaker capturing responses. These responses will be shared with the SWRCP team at the symposium and be used for reference when creating the 2025/2026 Patient Education Strategy for the southwest region.

Lunch will be served during the day as well.

Event details:

• The Symposium is on Saturday, April 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grayson Mills (114 Erie Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 2M4).
• The Symposium is free to attend, but registration is required.
• Individuals impacted by cancer, including patients, family members and caregivers are invited to attend to provide feedback and to voice their experiences.
• Feedback from attendees will be used to inform the 2025/2026 Patient Education Strategy.
• There are virtual and in-person attendance options. Virtual spots are limited with in-person attendance suggested unless you are unable to attend in-person.  
• Lunch and refreshments will be served.
• Free parking is available at the venue.

For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite registration page.