Annual reports (2007-08 - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Highlighted project:Regional Outreach andShared Care ProgramIn each Annual Report, one project will beselected which demonstrates the vision of PICS.The 2007– 2008 Annual Report will highlight theRegional Outreach and Shared Care Program(ROSCP).In 2005, an audit of new diagnosis at The Royal Children’s Hospital indicated thatapproximately 39% (thirty-nine percent) of all families lived more than 40km from theMelbourne Central Business District (CBD) and 12% of these lived greater than200km from the CBD. There are many advantages for families to have part of thecare provided in their local regional community and hence the Regional Outreachand Shared Care Program (ROSCP) was developed.The objectives of the regionalprogram are to:• Develop and strengthen relationshipsbetween the service providers,encouraging participation and supportof the program at an executive level.• Ensure clinical practices are consistentreducing variations in care provided bythe service providers.• Develop and implement effectivecommunication mechanisms betweenthe service providers.• Increase the skills and confidence ofregional staff when caring for childrenwith cancer.• Provide paediatric oncology andpsychosocial education, training andmentoring to regional staff.• Provide outpatient clinic services toregional patients closer to home.Jane Templeton – Regional Nurse Coordinator, Dr Peter Downie – Head of Unit SH CCC at MMC and Vice Chair PICS, Jane Williamson –Program Manager PICS with the Bobby Skilton Outreach Car (Donated by the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation)Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service (PICS) Annual Report 2007– 2008| 15