“This plan is different. We started by asking why this work is important for patients, consumers and community. Putting that question first makes a real difference to the prioritisation of work and the nature of the programs being developed. It means the direction stays focused on patient benefit.”
These words from Ms Sophy Athan, Chair of the VCCC Alliance Consumer Advisory Committee, kicked off the launch of the VCCC Alliance Strategic Program Plan 2021-24 (SPP) last Friday 6 August, highlighting the strategic, purposefully different approach this new plan takes to delivering system-level change.
Addressing the 400 plus people who joined the online launch, The Hon Martin Foley, Victorian Minister for Health said the SPP would take Victoria’s cutting edge cancer research, education and care to a new level, and will help to ensure that cancer remains at the forefront of priorities and progress.
“This is a truly ambitious program of work tackling complex challenges, including the disparities in outcomes for Victorians in regional areas, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
The Minister commended the VCCC Alliance and the cancer workforce for striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for people with cancer throughout the pandemic.
The event also featured an appearance by newly-appointed Deputy Chair of the VCCC Alliance, Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, and a message from the Chair, Professor Linda Kristjanson AO. Both remarked on the extraordinary collaborations – including the proactive involvement of consumers - and the difference that makes to its potential to drive genuine, sustainable improvements.
Members of the SPP Strategy Working Group, Professor Andrew Roberts AM, Associate Professor Kylie Mason and Sophy Athan, presented the four pillars that form the Strategic Program Plan – Discovery, Acceleration, Equity and Leadership - highlighting the key elements of the program plans.
Professor Maarten IJzerman, a key member of the Strategy Working Group, joined the discussion before Grant McArthur concluded with a tribute to the commitment shown by so many to the creation of this plan and now, its implementation.
“Despite a COVID-interrupted gestation, the commitment of the whole collaborative group of more than 250 people, to the goals, objectives and underlying vision of our strategy was unwavering.
"The result is a comprehensive, creative and exciting plan that will deliver a return on investment that brings us ever closer to our goal of better outcomes for patients with cancer in Victoria and beyond.”
The SPP is supported by $27 million over three and a half years from the Victorian Government.
If you missed the launch you can watch it here now.
View the Strategic Program Plan 2021-24
Further events to share the SPP and specific opportunities to get involved in the programs will follow in the coming months. Keep an eye on our events page or newsletters for details.
