About Us
GICS is one of nine Integrated Cancer Services established in Victoria. It is a DHS initiative established as a cancer reform initiative out of the Governments Fighting Cancer Policy of 2003. The ICS's were established to drive and develop cancer reform with and through key stake holders, inclusive of service providers, patients and families of all age groups, across all treatment and care aspects of the cancer journey.
The Victorian Government have recently released the Victorian Cancer Action Plan (VCAP) for 2008-2011
The highlights of the Cancer Action Plan include:
Action Area 1: Reducing major cancer risk factors in the population
and maximising effective screening
Increasing efforts to modify behaviour and lifestyle risk factors for cancer such as smoking, obesity and sun exposure
Reducing the prevalence of smoking in the Victorian adult population by 20 percent by 2013 through anti-smoking social marketing and other campaigns
Working with the Commonwealth to enhance the bowel cancer screening program and agree on a target participation rate of 60 percent in the eligible population by 2011
Expanding access to genetic screening and new diagnostic technology, especially for those living in rural and regional areas.
Action Area 2: Ensuring rapid translation of research into effective treatments and clinical care
Working through the Victorian Cancer Agency to increase our cancer research capacity and to translate research findings into improvements in early diagnosis and treatments for specific cancers
Increasing the proportion of patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials which could ultimately improve cancer outcomes by introduction of new therapies
Targeting investment in cancer research to maximise improvements in survival rates and to build on Victoria’s leadership in biotechnology.
Action Area 3: Investing in innovative treatments and technologies and sustainable integrated care systems
Developing a state-wide strategy to both introduce and replace specialised equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Building on our Integrated Cancer Services (ICS ) networks to strengthen links between metropolitan and regional cancer services, with clear role designation to specify which types of cancer treatment can be provided locally and which require referral to larger centres
Investing in centres of excellence by planning for a new Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Parkville, developing the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre at Austin Health and planning for expansion of our metropolitan and regional cancer centres
Developing a strategic approach to clinical cancer data management to support information flow and linkage across the patient pathway.
Action Area 4: Supporting and empowering patients and their carers throughout their cancer journey
Increasing the number of patients assessed and treated by specialist multidisciplinary teams
Increasing consumer participation in the development of cancer care policies as well as in cancer service delivery and research
Establishing a new state-wide service for adolescents and young adults, and a program to manage the long-term effects of treatment for survivors of childhood cancer
Expanding palliative care services to give patients and carers real choice about end-of-life care.
Victorian Government Cancer Policy 2003
The Government's Fighting Cancer Policy provides a context for the development of a wide-ranging Cancer Action Plan to address the following issues:
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Enhance prevention and screening strategies
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Upgrade and Expand Treatment Services
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Improve Coordination of the Various Types of Cancer Care
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Training and Supporting the Cancer Services Workforce
Integrated service model
This involves the establishment of:
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3 Metropolitan and 5 Regional Integrated Cancer Services (ICS)
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The philosophy of an ICS is that hospitals and primary and community health services develop integrated care and defined referral pathways for the populations they serve.
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This will promote more effective local coordination of care for cancer patients, and a more rational, evidence-based approach to cancer service planning and delivery.
The Big Picture
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ICS – 5 (Regional)
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MICS - 3 (Metro)
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Link to PICS – 1 (Paediatric)
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Across public, private and community
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In prevention, screening, diagnosis treatment and care
Key Principals and Priority areas of Cancer Reform / Victoria
The Initiatives and Core Milestones for GICS in 2005-2006 are:
Priority Areas:
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Multidisciplinary care
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Care-coordination
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Supportive Care
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Quality Monitoring and Support
Key principles:
Outcome
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