From 2027 there will be 3 specialised centres in Belgium to treat children with cancer. The decision to establish 3 centres of excellence for the treatment of children that have cancer was taken by Federal Cabinet. Currently 7 hospitals across Belgium have paediatric cancer wards. It is believed that by pooling the expertise and resources the quality of care can be improved.
Three hospitals to become reference centres for the treatment of children with cancer
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Each year between 350 and 400 children in Belgium are diagnosed with cancer. The Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Flemish socialist, photo above) told VRT News that given the relatively low number of cases it is better to pool expertise and resources for the treatment of children with cancer and establish centres of excellence in a very small number of hospitals.
Mr Vandenbrouck said that "According to international research, a hospital has to make at least 100 cancer diagnoses in children a year in order to build up sufficient expertise. Often childhood cancers are forms of cancer that are rare and the knowledge gained from treating them can’t be spread over a large number of hospitals”. This principal is already being applied with regard to the treatment of pancreatic and esophageal cancer in children.
Follow-up treatment closer to home
The aim is for three hospitals to become reference centres by 2027. The centres will be responsible for diagnosis, drawing up a treatment plan, operations and other complex procedures such as bone marrow transplants. Follow-up treatment will be able to take place closer to the patient’s home.
"By pooling expertise and resources, while taking into account where the children live, we can guarantee the best care. We are doing this in the interest of all young cancer patients," Mr Vandenbroucke said.
Which hospitals will become reference centres has yet to be determined. The oncologists involved suggest that two Flemish and one Francophone hospital will be chosen.