Victoria has become the first state to establish a statewide regional cancer network, after Mildura Base Public Hospital became the final regional centre to join the VCCC Alliance Regional Partnerships Program.
It marks a significant milestone for the state, with eight regional health care services now part of the innovative program which aims to advance cancer care, research and clinical trials in the regions through joint efforts and collaborations.
It will provide a boost to Victoria’s already strong capabilities in the cancer sector by enabling the sharing of resources, knowledge and experience, including targeted education programs to address skill gaps in the cancer workforce that will result in improved patient outcomes.
“It’s hard to overstate what can be achieved with eight regional centres working together and connected to the broader alliance,” said Professor Grant McArthur AO, CEO of the VCCC Alliance.
“The five-year survival rate across all cancers in metropolitan areas is 72%, compared to 69% in regional areas. That’s 300 avoidable deaths each year. This partnership is a critical step towards improving that.”
Other centres in the network are Albury Wodonga Health, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Grampians Health, Goulburn Valley Health, La Trobe Regional Health and Southwest Health Care. Staff in each of these locations are being recruited to support the implementation of the partnership program and ensure benefits are seen on the ground.
Mildura Base Public Hospital CEO Terry Welch said they can’t wait to get started. “The agreement with VCCC Alliance will provide our talented clinicians with opportunities to upskill and insights that can help to improve care and treatment in our community. We’re excited about learning from other regional and metropolitan centres and seeing how we can apply that to support patients affected by cancer in Mildura and the Northern Mallee region.”
The eight regional centres will come together for the first time at the inaugural VCCC Alliance Regional Cancer Partnership Forum on 22 February 2024. This monthly educational forum will focus on addressing specific educational needs in the regional cancer workforce, including health practitioners, researchers and consumers.
Learn more and register for the Regional Cancer Partnership Forum.
