Improving patient experiences and outcomes by connecting cancer care
and driving best practice. |
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We welcome you to the spring edition of our Grampians Integrated Cancer Service (GICS) newsletter. Spring would have to be our busiest time of year as we plan and organise our upcoming Annual Forum, whilst also collating content for our Annual Report, due to be distributed later this year.
We have a bumper edition for you; we've welcome a new face to the team and have sadly said farewell to another; we are also shining a spotlight on members of our team and their fantastic achievements.
We're encouraging local health services and staff who provide cancer care in the Grampians region to consider our Grant Funding opportunities currently on offer. Also, we've included a number of project updates, team activities and news that has 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. |
Register Now
GICS are pleased to invite you to our upcoming 2024 Annual Forum, ON THE IMPROVE: proudly showcasing our achievements.
This virtual event will showcase not only GICS led projects, but also the work and experiences that passionate and committed cancer care staff have achieved as successful recipients of our Grant Programs. |
We are looking forward to presenting these achievements which will include staff interviews, project animations and a live Q&A session, to showcase and celebrate our successes in improving the experience and outcomes of those affected by cancer living in the Grampians region.
Register your attendance here and please feel free to share with your networks. |
Congratulations to Kerry Davidson, our fearless leader here at GICS, who has been successful in receiving the Jo Leonard Memorial Scholarship for the Women in Senior Leadership Program with Melbourne Business School.
This incredible opportunity has granted Kerry attendance at a five-day program from 9 - 13 October 2024, led by the Melbourne Business School, which is designed to develop women with purpose, into leaders who have a profound impact in their organisations, communities and wider society. |
Well done Kerry, we know you will take all your learnings from this program and will apply them to focus on not only your own, but the teams' growth, forward momentum and action outcomes. |
Damian has transitioned into this role seamlessly, his friendly and calm demeanor has been embraced by both the GICS & HRICS teams. |
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With over a decade of experience in biomedicine and data science, Damián has an established strong academic career, highlighted by his PhD in Biomedicine from the University of Melbourne. He has led significant research initiatives in stem cell applications and disease modelling, resulting in 32 peer-reviewed publications with over 1000 citations. As he transitions from stem cell research to data analytics, his aim is to leverage his expertise to advance cancer care services and improve patient outcomes.
A few fun facts about Damián:
- He grew up in the vibrant streets of Mexico City. A city that is bursting with colour, culture and delicious food
- One of his all-time favourites is mole—a rich, chocolate-based sauce that’s the crown jewel of Mexican cuisine!
- In 2012 he embarked on his journey to Australia to pursue his PhD
- His wife grew up in the Hume Region
- He is a father to an energetic 4-year-old and adorable 1-year-old
- His mission is to teach his children Spanish, however this has been more challenging than he expected!
Contact Damian
Damian works 9am - 5.30pm and allocates his working days as listed below:
- Mondays & Tuesdays - HRICS
- Wednesdays & Thursdays - GICS
- Fridays - alternating between GICS & HRICS
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Hannah (pictured above) will be presenting, virtually, on 'Walk before you run: the evolution of co-design into service improvement', during the conference scheduled from 6 - 8 November 2024. Good luck Hannah! |
We sadly said farewell to Dr. Wasek Faisal in August this year, who had been with the GICS team, in the Co-Clinical Director role, over the last 3 years.
Wasek (pictured below) will continue to work alongside GICS, continuing his work as a Medical Oncologist and also having been recently appointed as Research Lead – Oncology for Grampians Health. |
Wasek's Research Lead position is an exciting collaborative role between the Research Operations directorate and Medical Oncology department made possible through funding provided by the Commonwealth MRFF ReViTALISE program of which Grampians Health is a participating organisation. More information about the ReViTALISE program be found here. Wasek will continue his involvement with the GICS Simfonia Lung Cancer Project which looks to incorporate an economic analysis within the identification of service improvement needs and priorities. |
GICS Professional Development Grants 2024-25 |
After the successful introduction of a Professional Development funding stream in 2023-24, GICS are pleased to advise that we are accepting Expressions of Interest applications from staff, working in cancer care, who would like to undertake Professional Development opportunities prior to 30 June 2025. |
During our inaugural funding round, GICS were able to support 57 staff working in oncology across the Grampians region, with recipients participating in a number of opportunities attending courses / training or conferences.
We encourage you to apply today and we've listed a number of opportunities under the Cancer Events and Cancer Education sections of this newsletter, that you may wish to consider.
Please share this newsletter / information with your peers working in cancer care. Eligibility criteria applies; click the button below to find out more. |
GICS Small Grants Program Success |
GICS introduced the Small Grants Program in May 2024 and it has already been a hit with our Grampians cancer clinicians.
The program was developed to seed small scale improvement activities to improve the way we work and deliver cancer services to our communities – aligning with the Action Areas from the Victorian Cancer Plan and Optimal Care Pathways.
The projects are time limited, up to three-months duration and with funding allocation up to the value of $10,000.
To date four grants have been funded and are underway. |
PROJECT 1: WellScreen
Health Service: Rural Northwest Health
The project is intended to improve health literacy on cancer and improve the overall cancer screening rates in Warracknabeal, Beulah, and Hopetoun through health dissemination via digital screens. Digital screens will be placed in high-traffic areas such as libraries, neighbourhood houses and council buildings to reach the maximum population of the project catchment area. A cancer and cancer screening calendar will be developed, and contents will be prepared in accordance with the respective cancer awareness of the month. Contents will include the importance of screening, warning signs of different cancers, UV index of the area at the specific time, sun protective measures, and where to acquire the self-test iFOBT kit and cervical cancer screening kit.
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PROJECT 2: Stepping through cancer care - reducing wait times for cancer patients seeking psychological support
Health Service: Grampians Health - Ballarat
Whilst 1:1 Clinical Psychology appointments are a vital component of the current service, given the current level of resourcing, it is an unsustainable model. Patients are waiting too long for support, and clinicians are at risk of burnout. Developing additional 1-to-many services would complement the existing 1:1 service. This project aims to develop novel service options to address the time intensive nature of a 1:1 service.
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PROJECT 3: Developing a model of care for a Prostate Cancer Nurse-Led Follow Up Program
Health Service: Ballarat & Austin Radiation Oncology (BAROC) - Ballarat
This project aims to optimise the utilisation of resources and enhance patient care by empowering specialised nursing staff to conduct follow-up assessments for prostate cancer patient’s post-radiotherapy treatment. This initiative aims to improve patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the radiation oncology service. Before the Pilot Program can be endorsed it is necessary to fully develop the proposed model of care, including the following considerations: Developing a model of care for prostate cancer nurse-led follow-up involves the following key steps: a) Assessment of Current Practices, b) Stakeholder Engagement, c) Define Objectives and Goals, d) Design the Care Model, e) Develop Protocols and Guidelines, f) Training and Education and g) Patient Education and Support.
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PROJECT 4: Pre-chemotherapy patient education animation resource
Health Service: Grampians Health - Horsham, Stawell & Ballarat
This project will enhance our nurse-led Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) teaching sessions to incorporate audio visual methods concurrently with our existing practices of providing print copies of information. The overall aim of this project proposal is to increase our patient’s knowledge regarding chemotherapy, therefore increasing their preparedness for cancer-directed therapy and subsequently decreasing distress. It will ensure that all patients receive comprehensive education with consistent, evidence-based information and self- management strategies. This will a collaborative effort between all Grampians Health cancer day centres. It is our aim to also have the end product available on the Grampians Health website for patients to revisit or share with family members/ support persons. |
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GICS are also supporting several more small grant ideas that are currently being worked up into submissions. We’d love to hear from you if you have any ideas for improving your cancer services, so please contact:
For more information about eligibility and how to apply please visit our website - www.vics.org.au/gics. |
Service Improvement Grant Project Update |
Central Highlands Rural Health supporting local community to 'Move through Cancer'
In 2023, Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) were successful in obtaining a Service Improvement grant through GICS. CHRH developed a multidisciplinary support program to support their local community throughout the entire oncology treatment process from initial diagnosis, preparation for treatment, during treatment and into survivorship. |
Clunes 'Moving through Cancer' Program
(Pictured left to right - Gaylea - Speech Pathologist (CHRH), Deirdre, Joan,
Patsy, and Brad - Exercise Physiologist (CHRH) |
Their eight-week program ‘Moving Through Cancer’ was piloted late last year and has been running successfully for the past nine months, supported by a GICS Cancer Service Improvement Facilitator. It includes a personalised exercise program and cancer education such as managing fatigue, emotional wellness and nutrition. |
The Service Improvement grant will be completed by the end of Oct 2024, followed by an evaluation to ensure sustainability of the program so it may continue providing support close to home and minimise the need for excessive travel.
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Melanoma Clinical Nurse Update |
GICS are pleased to share that Grampians Health, working together with Melanoma Institute Australia, are in the process of setting up a supportive care service for Melanoma patients in their care. The aim is to start supporting Melanoma patients by January 2025 and that the service will run for 4 days every fortnight. |
During the next 3 months, Grampians Health (GH) staff will be mapping the service to determine what they are currently doing well, how they can measure their service against the OCP and where they can make a difference to patients. As part of this process, GH staff will be meeting stake holders, analysing data and setting up a pathway for this service.
We look forward to sharing further details on this announcement in the new year. |
Grampians Health - Home Based Cancer Care |
Grampians at Home – Home Based Cancer Care is one of five streams of care developed from the amalgamation of HITH (Hospital in the Home) and GITH (Geriatrics in the Home) models of care.
The Home Based Cancer Care Stream commenced in 2021 and services close to 200 patients and continues to grow. Grampians Health Home Based Cancer Care works closely with the Cancer Day Unit (CDU) at BRICC.
This model of care is a unique service delivering quality care to patients in the comfort and convenience of their own home.
If considered suitable for the at home program by Oncologists and Haematologists, and patients reside within a 35km radius of Ballarat CBD, this may be an option for a more convenient way to deliver specialised cancer care to our patients.
Contact the Home Based Cancer Care team on 5320 4549.
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Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-28
On 12 September, the Victorian Government officially launched its Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-28. The VICS welcome this new plan and look forward to contributing to its success. For nearly 20 years and across 2 previous Victorian Cancer Plans, we have been the state’s mechanism for collective improvement of cancer services. Past impacts and ongoing initiatives enabled by the VICS are cited throughout the new Victorian Cancer Plan:
- LMICS supported local health services to increase screening participation and develop accessible resources for Karen and Afghan refugees in Bendigo (p.29)
- PICS led development of Australia’s Optimal Care Pathway for adolescents and young adults with cancer, working with consumers from the Victorian and Tasmanian Youth Cancer Action Board (p.30)
- We lead the state’s ability to identify unwarranted variations in cancer care and design actions to address them – The VICS Optimal Care Summits (p.40)
- The VICS were key to enabling and embedding the Accessing Cancer Care Equitably using Support Services (ACCESS) program, with Cancer Council Victoria (p.46)
- As an outcome of our VICS Optimal Care Summits, we are now working with the Victorian Cancer Registry to improve cancer stage recording at multidisciplinary team meetings across the state (p.52).
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Left to right in the image above: Prof. Wanda Stelmach (NEMICS), Kerry Davidson (GICS),
Seleena Sherwell, (SMICS), Justine Carder (PICS), Adam English (LMICS), Dr Umbreen Hafeez (NEMICS),
Stewart Harper (GRICS), The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP (Minister for Health), Kathy Quade (WCMICS),
A/Prof. Zee Wan Wong (SMICS), Ann Yeomanson (NEMICS), Annie Williams (HRICS) |
We have invited the Department of Health to engage with our clinical and operational leaders, and with our Governance Group chairs, on how the VICS network can effectively and efficiently support the new plan. |
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. |
Voluntary Assisted Dying Conference 2024
Go Gentle’s founder Andrew Denton, Hamish Macdonald (MC), and the growing community of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) health professionals, policymakers, and advocates are coming together to share, reflect, and build the future of end-of-life care in Australia and New Zealand. This year’s conference, being held in Brisbane on 28 - 29 October, features leading voices in VAD practice and research supported by QUT's Australian Centre for Health Law Research. |
International Forum on Quality & Safety in Healthcare - Brisbane 2024
Jointly organised by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and BMJ Group, the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, to be held during 6 - 8 November, has a rich history of supporting and energising the international movement for health and care improvement.
With over 5,000 improvers attending the International Forum conferences every year, this is the place to hear and meet some of the world’s brightest minds and to forge relationships that drive improvement and innovation in health and care across the world.
The International Forum in Brisbane, Australia will focus on the key themes in health and care in the region while bringing in perspectives and knowledge from around the world. |
Australian Cancer Survivorship Conference - Melbourne 2025
To be held at Rydges Melbourne during 6 - 7 March 2025, an exciting program is lined up that showcases innovation in survivorship care, research, advocacy and policy.
The theme - Building Capacity and Capacity in Survivorship Care and Research - will highlight the importance of advancing survivorship care from the individual to the health system perspective. |
Foundations for Allied Health in Cancer Care
In this introductory course, meet and hear from allied health experts in oncology including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and exercise physiologists. The course will include presentations on the impact of cancer and its treatment throughout the cancer pathway, discussions on complexities in cancer, in-person workshops and networking opportunities. |
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. |
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. |
Head & Neck Cancer Helpline
Head and Neck Cancer Australia have announced that works is underway on Australia's first specialist Head and Neck Cancer Helpline, launching in early 2025.
The HNC Helpline will offer free, confidential support and specialist information to patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Stay tuned for key dates and more details once this helpline is launched in early 2025. |
2024 Partnerships for Culturally Safe Cancer Care Grant Program
Cancer Australia has launched the Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program, a new $16.9 million initiative aimed at accelerating the delivery of culturally safe cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
Addressing long-standing equity and cultural safety issues within mainstream health services, particularly in specialist cancer care, is crucial to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access and complete treatments with improved outcomes. The program emphasises the importance of a culturally safe system, where respect for cultural values and elimination of racism and inequity are paramount. These are key outcomes of both the Australian Cancer Plan and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan.
This national grant program will allocate up to $16.9 million over three years to support up to 20 partnerships between cancer services and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. Partnerships, with funding of up to $1 million each, will focus on innovative, community-driven local activities designed to improve the delivery of cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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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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Grampians Integrated Cancer Service (GICS)
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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