Germany- January 2024- Nova Scotia Health and Varian, a Siemens Healthineers firm, have partnered in an unprecedented multi-disciplinary oncology partnership (MDOP) worth CAD 175 million (about USD 131 million) over ten years. The goal of this creative partnership is to improve the patient experience in the Nova Scotia Health system from screening to survivorship.

Moreover, With a population of over 1 million and an above-average cancer incidence, Nova Scotia faces unique challenges. The partnership between Nova Scotia Health and Varian seeks to drive transformative change and improve survival rates by shaping the future of the oncology ecosystem. Leveraging the combined strengths of Siemens Healthineers and Varian, the companies actively focus on optimizing patient care throughout the cancer care pathway. Their mission is to lead the way in developing solutions that improve productivity, optimize workflows, and fine-tune treatment accuracy.

Partnership Strengthening

Since December 2022, Varian and Nova Scotia Health have worked closely to establish a unified, connected cancer care network. The new agreement expands on the previous oncology transformation initiative, aiming to centralize oncology patient data across the entire province using Varian’s suite of software. This approach provides care teams with a comprehensive understanding of patients, enabling more personalized care delivery.

Nova Scotia care teams will also benefit from Varian’s Advanced Oncology Solutions (AOS) professional services to support cancer operations and advance the provincial oncology program. Nova Scotia Health plans to modernize its radiation therapy equipment by incorporating the Ethos radiotherapy systems, which include HyperSight imaging. The Ethos system incorporates artificial intelligence to enhance accuracy and speed during treatment, aiming to expedite care decisions and save patients’ time.

In addition to improving healthcare, the collaboration promotes economic expansion. Varian will establish a new office in Halifax by the first half of 2024, committing $50 million (approx. USD 38 million) in payroll and rent over the decade and creating a minimum of 60 jobs in Nova Scotia. From the new office, Varian will collaborate with Nova Scotia Health to develop a digital imaging concept. Also, Nova Scotia Health will leverage Siemens Healthineers’ expertise in artificial intelligence for potential new products and solutions. If successfully commercialized, Varian will establish an MDOP Innovation Fund for future projects in Nova Scotia Health’s Innovation Hub.

“Fixing healthcare in our province means keeping pace with the latest advancements in technology, equipment, and training,” said Premier Tim Houston. “This partnership will foster a future where cancer care is a journey filled with hope, support, and unparalleled advancements.”

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“We are so impressed with the magnitude and breadth of Nova Scotia Health’s ambition to not only stay on the cusp of advances in cancer care but also contribute to creating those advances so that patients can receive better, more effective, more coordinated care,” said Arthur Kaindl, Head of Varian. “This agreement brings to life our shared commitment to providing solutions across the cancer care continuum by addressing the needs of clinicians, program leaders, and the patients we all ultimately serve.”