CCN Cancer Centre Collaboration Project
What is the Project about?
Within the Central Cancer Network (CCN) region there are two cancer centres – Regional Cancer Treatment Service (RCTS) provided by MidCentral DHB and Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre (WBCC) provided by Capital and Coast DHB.
The two cancer centres provide the majority of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Clinical Haematology services to the populations in the District Health Board areas within the CCN region as well as providing some services to Nelson / Marlborough DHB.
The centres also provide clinical support for the delivery of chemotherapy in Hawkes Bay, Tairawhiti and Taranaki. Clinical Trials Units and local hospital based palliative care services are also included in the two cancer centres.
Historically the level of collaboration between the two cancer centres and supporting DHBs has been variable and generally based around relationships between various individuals versus service level arrangements. Whilst these individual relationships are important and need to continue it is necessary to build on existing collaborative activities.
This project aims to support a clinical approach to strengthening the services by identifying opportunities for greater levels of collaborative arrangements and future models of service delivery to better meet the needs of the populations within the CCN region. Though the project focuses on the activity around the two tertiary treatment centres; it is taking a whole systems approach, that is considering all services provided regionally. As such it will engage stakeholders across the region to consider regional solutions.
The proposed objectives include:
The first phase of the project is planned to be completed by mid May 2010.
Cancer Centre Collaboration Draft Project Scope
Project Questions and Answers
Q: How can I participate in the project?
A: It is recognised that it is important that everyone has an opportunity to be engaged during this project. Please contact Jo Anson on 06 350 8622 or jo.anson@midcentraldhb.govt.nz.
Q: How will the project affect me as a Clinician / Health professional?
A: A strong component of this project is the clinical focus and commitment to provide clinical leadership. Much of the work in this project including the identification and prioritisation of activities will be driven and lead by clinicians.
Q: Is the project just focusing on the two cancer centres?
A: Although a major focus of this project is to identify where the two treatment centres’ can improve and enhance current relationships, a measure of success will be how specialist cancer services can be improved for the whole Central region.
Q: What about Service users / Consumers?
A: One of the guiding principles for the project is that enhanced patient care is the key objective for all discussions and decisions. Engaging with consumers will be an integral part of the project.
Readings of interest
Below are some of the readings that have been sourced to inform this project to date which you may find of interest. Please contact Robert if you are aware of other articles that would be useful
Baker, C.D., Lorimer, A.R. (2000). Cardiology: the development of a managed clinical network. BMJ. 321(November): 1152-1153.
Balding, C. (2008). From quality assurance to clinical governance. Australian Health Review 32(3): 383-391
Berwick, D.M. (1996). A primer on leading the improvement of systems. BMJ. 312(9 March): 619-622.
Dunbar, J., Reddy, P. (2009). Integration and coordination of care. Australian Journal of Rural Health. 17: 27-33.
Ham, C. (2008). Incentives, priorities, and clinical integration in the NHS. The Lancet. 371(January 12): 98-100.
McAvoy, B. (2003). Optimising cancer care in Australia. Australian Family Physician. 32(5): 369-372.
Robinson, M.E. (2008). An overview of clinical governance policies, practices and initiatives. Australian Health Review. 32(3): 381-382.
Last updated 28th May 2010
