British Columbia’s health minister says some cancer patients will be referred to two clinics in Washington in an effort to reduce wait times for radiation therapy.

Adrian Dix says that from May 29, BC Cancer will offer eligible patients the opportunity to undergo treatment at one of two partner clinics in Bellingham, Wash., with costs related to treatment, travel, accommodation and meals fully covered.

He says the opportunity is initially open to breast and prostate cancer patients and the two Bellingham clinics will see up to 50 patients from B.C. each week.

Dix says the arrangement is temporary and aimed at getting people the care they need, sooner, as the province works to expand its own cancer care services.

If the change doesn’t lead to enough added capacity for radiation therapy in

B.C.’s cancer care system, Dix says the program may be opened up to more patients.

Dix says the province is making the move because B.C. hasn’t been meeting its target for ensuring cancer patients receive radiation therapy in a timely manner.