Heart of Health: Tom Ashford reflects on cancer care advancements

A love of science led Tom Ashford from the United Kingdom to a long-time career at Nova Scotia Health.  Tom is here to stay. “I love the province. My wife is from the Maritimes and we have two children – we have no plans to leave.”

A program manager with the Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program, Tom has had a front row seat for the transformation of cancer care in Nova Scotia over the last 10 years. He witnessed the shift to a provincial system which enabled a more coordinated and equitable approach to patient care across the province.

"The unification of health services across the province resulted in a far more cohesive and coordinated cancer care program and provided patients with a level of support that is not fragmented and ensuring greater equity in care delivery," he said.

Tom finds great meaning and drive in supporting cancer patients from diagnosis, through to treatment and in post-treatment survivorship. “When patients get through their cancer treatment journey, there’s an overwhelming relief because they’ve faced and conquered something monumental,” Tom says. 

He appreciates the Nova Scotia Health commitment to fostering leadership development within teams, which Tom says, “has allowed me to continually refine my abilities, expand my knowledge base and take on increasingly complex responsibilities.”

The changes have made a real impact, with patients receiving help from a more consistent, personalized experience along their treatment pathway. One of the key advantages has been reducing geographic disparities in cancer care, ensuring that all Nova Scotians receive high-quality treatment and support, regardless of location.

From refining his approach, to team dynamics and decision-making to understanding broader healthcare systems, he credits an array of educational support for helping to shape his effectiveness as a leader. With cancer care becoming more streamlined and effective, Tom believes the organizational commitment to professional development and patient-centered care creates a better future for those facing a cancer diagnosis in Nova Scotia.

"My career wouldn’t be where it is today without Nova Scotia Health," he said. "It’s been an incredible journey and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team. We get to live in this amazing province and I am thankful every day for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most."

According to Nova Scotia Health, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer in Canada is increasing due to aging populations, better diagnostic tests and cancer screening programs designed to identify cancer before symptoms arise. However, through effective cancer screening programs, people are diagnosed earlier which enables better health outcomes. Through research, new and improved treatments mean more Nova Scotians are living well with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis than ever before.

For Tom, work comes down to satisfaction. In healthcare, it involves supporting, guiding and treating patients. “If we provide the absolute best care possible, we’ve done our job right. And if we see areas that need improvement, we must advocate for those changes and push forward – that's the essence of healthcare. We are here because patients need us and we do everything we can to give them the care they deserve,” Tom says, adding, "My success is measured by whether that patient receives the best possible care we can offer,” he says. “That’s what matters." 

Photo of Tom Ashford.