Improving patient experiences and outcomes by connecting cancer care
and driving best practice. |
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We welcome you to the winter edition of our Grampians Integrated Cancer Service (GICS) newsletter. We are happy to be indoors during these colder months, we have lots of planning and preparations underway in the lead up to Spring, being one of our busiest times of the year; we have lots of initiatives underway and we are excited to share this update with you.
In this edition, we've reflected on our project milestones over the last financial year to round out the Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24. We're reminding local health services' staff that applications are open for our Small Grants Program. We have locked in a date for this years Annual Forum where we'll be launching our 2023-24 Annual Report. Also, we've included project updates and team activities that have been keeping us busy over recent months.
As always, we will also provide updates on any Grampians region and statewide projects underway, along with new cancer resources and upcoming cancer events and education opportunities.
Don't forget! If you have any upcoming events, resources or information you would like to share in this newsletter, please contact GICS. |
Our Year in Review 2023-24 |
Amazingly another financial year has already rolled around and this has provided the GICS team the perfect opportunity to stop, and not only reflect on our achievements over the past 12 months, but also of the last four years, working to achieve the priorities of the 2020-24 Victorian Cancer Plan. |
Save the Date
Block out your calendar; we have set Wednesday 23 October 2024 for our Annual Forum. We are planning to hold this years event in a virtual capacity, however we'll also be inviting attendees to join us in-person for a 'watch party' at our office locations in the BRICC and the Wimmera Cancer Centre in Horsham. This will provide an opportunity to direct questions and meet members of the GICS team during these hybrid activities.
This years event will run from 12.30 - 1.30pm to allow clinicians to attend / join during their lunch breaks. Once we have finalised the details of this years Forum, we'll have an update in our Spring Newsletter and our website with further information. |
GICS Professional Development Grants |
Our Professional Development Grant applications closed on 30 June 2024 and we're pleased to say that this was a very successful initiative; receiving over 65 EOI / applications from staff across the Grampians region to attend various opportunities, not only locally and interstate, but also internationally.
GICS have received great feedback about this inaugural initiative with almost $50,000 in funding made available to staff who provide cancer care to attend conferences or training courses to further upskill and gain valuable knowledge and insight. This funding aided Inbal Ross (see story below) and a number of other nursing staff, to be able to travel interstate to attend and/or present at the CNSA Conference in Brisbane.
To help GICS measure the success/benefits of this program, we set a requirement for all grant recipients to complete a brief evaluation report; some of the comments we have received to date include:
I want to thank GIC’s for the incredible support they have given to my entire team and the wider Grampians Health cancer services team. This professional development support is pivotal for ensuring a skilled, specialised team that provides best practice care to our community - Carmel O'Kane (Wimmera Cancer Centre - Horsham).
Thank you so so much for providing me with this opportunity that I would have otherwise missed out on. I really appreciate this greatly as I learnt so many things and have had some great ideas to employ on the ward and discuss with my NUM - Jacqui Suckling (BRICC Day Oncology).
We're currently collating a report to summarise and evaluate this funding program and are pleased to say we will be running another PD Grant round for 2024-25. We'll be promoting this funding opportunity on our website, socials and Spring Newsletter - watch this space. |
GICS Small Grants Program 2024-25 |
Our Small Grants Program launched in May this year and we are still accepting applications for projects that will support small scale projects aimed at improving access, experiences and outcomes for cancer patients and / or carers living in the Grampians region.
Projects are time limited, up to three months' during, with a funding allocation up to the value of $10,000. Applications are open and projects are to be completed by Monday 30 June 2025.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply please visit our website - www.vics.org.au/gics. |
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Poster Presentation at CNSA Conference
Inbal Ross & her team were successful in their application for GICS grant funding for their project that has received recognition and great accolades at the recent Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Conference held in Brisbane in June 2024.
The projects' goal - to improve patient experience in the Ballarat Chemotherapy Day Unit by streamlining patient care and eliminating their time loss. The team were successful in their submission for a poster presentation at the CNSA Conference, where Inbal presented on the findings of the project. We're pleased to share that the teams poster won the 'Audience Choice Poster Award', you can view Inbal's poster along with all posters presented at the conference here. Well done to Inbal and the team! |
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Post conference Inbal (pictured above & below) shared:
Thank you to GICS for their support in funding this project.
Thank you to CNSA and its organisers for hosting this exceptional event, which has enabled us to expand our knowledge, grow professionally, and stay informed as Oncology Nurses. By doing so, we are better equipped to support the patients under our care.
The poster was displayed throughout the 2-day Congress, with CNSA extending break times this year to allow participants more time to engage with displays. This created many opportunities for networking with other healthcare providers, enriching our project with additional information and connections to increase our solutions possibilities. During a silent poster presentation at the first morning tea, we had 5 minutes to discuss the poster.
The poster won the "Audience Choice Poster Award."
This award grants us complimentary entry to CNSA 2025 in Adelaide that is going to be an International Congress, providing an opportunity to present the next phase of the project. We extend our thanks to everyone that contributed thus far, including GICS funding, consumer involvement, nursing staff data collection, suggestions, grammar guidance, and overall support. Your input has been invaluable to this project.
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Service Improvement Project - Update |
Project Showcased at CNSA Conference
We're equally pleased to share that another successful GICS project collaboration with Grampians Health teams, was also selected as a podium presentation at the CNSA Conference, presented by Carmel O'Kane (Manager Wimmera Cancer Centre - Horsham).
The project outcome was digistising the Modified Adelaide Supportive Care screening tool in the electronic medical record (EMR), which is saving considerable nurse time to deliver quality supportive care for cancer patients.
Carmel's presentation was showcased as a Digital Innovation, titled 'Sharing the digital love in cancer supportive care'. Carmel's presentation can be found on the CNSA Conference website. Well done to Carmel and the teams involved! |
Successful Funding Announcement |
Metastatic Breast Cancer Nurse for the Grampians region
GICS collaborated with Grampians Health and key external stakeholders across the region to develop a best model of care for people living with metastatic breast cancer in the Grampians region drawing on the experience of a metastatic breast cancer nurse role.
We are pleased to announce our application to the McGrath Foundation has been successful for funding, with the Metastatic Breast Cancer Nurse role to commence this year based at Grampians Health.
For further information, please contact Kirsten Ives, Cancer Service Improvement Facilitator at kirsten.ives@gh.org.au
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Pictured above from left to right: Kerry Davidson (GICS Director), Genevieve Antill (Head of Nursing Programs, McGrath Foundation), Jane Mahony (Chief Nursing Program Officer, McGrath Foundation), Joylene Fletcher (Breast Cancer Nurse, McGrath Foundation), Steve Medwell (Director of Cancer Services, Grampians Health), Sharad Sharma (Head of Medical Oncology, Grampians Health) and Kirsten Ives (GICS Cancer Service Improvement Facilitator) |
Grampians Regional Palliative Care Team Conference 2024 |
GICS Sponsor GRPCT Conference
GICS were proud to be a major sponsor at the GRPCT Conference held from 1 - 3 May 2024 at the RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick.
This years event theme, Back to the Future - directions of Palliative Care, had a great turnout, with staff attending from across the Grampians region, some of which GICS were able to support via our Professional Development funding program.
As a sponsor of this event, GICS were offered a booth to promote our services and activities to conference attendees which had many visits and enquiries. |
Pictured above from left to right, GICS staff, Kerry and Hannah taking enquiries at the GICS booth. |
GICS Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) Update
The Carers Resource Package Project, being led by our CAG is gaining momentum. It is anticipated this will be a 2 - 3 year project with the aim to improve support for carers of people with cancer in the Grampians region. Work has commenced on mapping existing resources for carers of people with cancer as well as discussions of ways our region can partner with Cancer Council Victoria to improve carer support. |
Cancer Conversations Training |
Conversations Matter, funded by the Victorian Government, is a communication skills training initiative for Victoria's regional cancer centres. This program is facilitated by the Centre for Organisational Change in Person-Centred Healthcare (OCPH), and aims to strengthen communication, supportive care and patient safety.
This training was delivered to staff at the Wimmera Cancer Centre in Horsham (pictured below) on 10 April 2024. There was very positive feedback from participants afterwards with the majority of attendees agreeing or strongly agreeing that the workshop:
- increased awareness of evidence based frameworks and models for effective communication in healthcare
- developed skills to observe and deconstruct supportive care screening and survivorship conversations
- provided an opportunity to reflect upon personal challenges and conversations with patients, families and carers
- could apply new skills from the workshop during interactions with simulated patients and the facilitator.
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Following this hugely successful training in Horsham, this program is now open to BRICC / BAROC oncology staff. The program will be held at RACV Resort in Creswick on 29 & 30 August 2024. Registrations are now open and places are limited. |
Laharum Biggest Morning Tea |
Communities across the Wimmera gathered to raise money for Cancer Council during May 2024, hosting Biggest Morning Tea events.
About 60 people gathered at Laharum Hall enjoying morning tea, entertainment from Laharum’s local vocal group and guest speaker presentation by Donna Bridge from the GICS team, raising $1210 for the Cancer Council.
A successful ‘bring and buy’ stall raised $200 for the Wimmera Cancer Centre and $200 for Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
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Photo courtesy of The Weekly Advertiser, pictured above from left to right: Gil Hopkins, Susan Fowler, Liz Hopkins
and Donna Bridge (GICS Service Improvement Facilitator). |
National Carers Survey 2024
Carers Victoria are inviting Victorian carers to have their say by completing the National Carer Survey. Participating in the survey is a great opportunity for carers' experiences, concerns and ideas to be heard by decision makers.
The National Carer Survey is conducted every two years and is open to all carers across Australia, in partnership with the Carer Organisations in each state and territory, including Carers Victoria.
The results are one of the most important data sets available to demonstrate who carers are, how the carer population is changing, and what’s most important to them.
The survey takes around 20 - 30 minutes, can be completed online or on paper, and closes on Wednesday 31 July 2024. To find out more information and to complete the survey click on the button below. |
The First Nations Cancer Scholarship
The First Nations Cancer Scholarship Program is funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia. The scholarship aims to increase the network of Indigenous people who lead and contribute to cancer control, including through research.
The purpose of the scholarship is to support Indigenous scholars in building the skills and knowledge required to inform strategies to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous communities and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in cancer-related fields.
The scholarship will see Indigenous scholars receive up to $120,000 per year over three years, as well as academic, wellbeing and community support. |
VICS News
For more statewide Victorian Integrated Cancer Service (VICS) information please visit the VICS website or alternatively subscribe below to receive the bi-monthly VICS newsletter. |
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COSA Annual Scientific Meeting
Bridging gaps, building progress, breaking down disparities | 13 - 15 November 2024
This years event will be held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre - register via the button below. |
Dying to Know Day - Save the Date
GICS are one of the Grampians Regional Palliative Care Team partners asking locals to save the date for a free community / public event for 'Dying to Know Day' being planned in Ballarat.
This partnership project aims to raise community awareness, discussion opportunities, and to highlight issues relating to end-of-life conversations to be held at Ballarat Central Library on Friday 23 August.
We'll have further details of this event made available on our socials towards the end of July. |
FREE Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Training
This training opportunity from the Pancare Foundation focuses on increasing awareness of stomach and oesophageal cancers with regards to prompt patient identification and optimal referral for investigation and specialist review. Start leaning today with both Nurse and GP modules available - find out more here. |
Abuse of the Older Person - Free Aged Care e-Learning Courses
This training is for health care professionals, allied health practitioners as well as aged care staff. Please share with your appropriate networks.
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Western Victoria Public Health Network - ACP Webinar
View the WestVic PHN webinar recording on the Introduction to Advanced Care Planning for Health Professionals. |
eviQ CVADs Updated!
The Central Venous Access Devices course has had an update!
What has changed?
- content has been updated, including using current terminology
- modules have a fresh new look and feel
- improved assessor tools which are easier to use
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ACSC Survivorship Fundamentals Video
This presentation includes an overview of cancer survivorship care, needs assessments and survivorship care plans and survivorship care resources.
It was developed as part of the Victorian Statewide Collaboration to Improve Cancer Survivorship Care project, a partnership between the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services and the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre. |
Grampians region Highway Model of Education Calendar
Please find a list of upcoming events below:
- CVADs Clinical Skills Workshop - Ballarat - Monday 22 July - Register & Pay here.
- CVADs Clinical Skills Workshop - Horsham - Thursday 25 July - Register & Pay here.
- EviQ Facilitators Workshop - Ballarat - Friday 2 August - Register & Pay here.
- CVADs Clinical Skills Workshop - Ballarat - Monday 12 August - Register & Pay here.
- CVADs Clinical Skills Workshop - Warracknabeal - Wednesday 11 September - Register & Pay here
- CVADs Clinical Skills Workshop - Horsham - Thursday 12 September - Register & Pay here.
For further enquiries please call the ERC Liaison on (03) 5320 4384 or email erc.liaison@gh.org.au |
VICS Cancer Resources
The Cancer Resources section of the VICS website has more than 150 guidelines, forms, reports, videos, podcasts, and more from across our statewide network. Explore tools and evidence to guide your practice at www.vics.org.au/resources-adult. |
Care of the Older Person with Cancer: TOOLKIT
The VICS Care of the Older Person with Cancer Toolkit has been developed to assist health services and ICS improve the care of the older person with cancer and was recently updated in April 2024.
The toolkit provides information to help identify and address existing barriers, examples of existing geriatric oncology services and key resources including how-to guides, education opportunities and patient resources.
As part of the recent update, the toolkit now includes;
- discussing goals of care
- ageism
- the Australian Cancer Plan
- NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cancer Plan
- New guidelines and education modules
- additional assessment tools / pathways.
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Sharing News
Please feel free to share or forward our newsletter to your networks, family and friends.
If you have any forthcoming events or information, you would like us to share, please forward your content to GICS Admin. |
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Contact Us
Grampians Integrated Cancer Service
PO Box 577, Ballarat, VIC 3353
Ph: (03) 5320 4782
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The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services are supported by the Victorian Government |
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