About half of all patients with cancer could benefit from radiation treatment. Distance from a treatment centre has been one of the biggest contributors to the underuse of radiation therapy in Australia. The Limestone Coast LHN provides chemotherapy treatment and while the LHN supports and refers patients for radiation therapy services, this treatment is not available or provided within the Limestone Coast.
This Study assessed service demand; quality and safety considerations, training and research; clinical practice; service costs, sustainability (financial and workforce) and risk management in order to determine if a radiation treatment centre in Mount Gambier was feasible, and if not feasible, to provide recommendations to increase radiation therapy utilisation for people living in the Limestone Coast.
While a literature review and service demand modelling were critical components, the approach placed a heavy emphasis on consultation with the community and a range of external stakeholders. Through these consultative processes, the community’s collective passion, commitment and energy was impressive, not just to engage with the Study, but with respect to pursing improved outcomes for cancer patients in the region.
The volunteers that comprised the respective support groups are acknowledged by the Study as forming a critical and necessary component of cancer patient support and recovery. This allowed the feasibility study the ability to highlight and respond to mental, emotional, and physical heath impacts, as well as financial costs, that create barriers to access.
The Study concluded that a Radiation Treatment Centre in Mount Gambier was not currently feasible, largely a consequence of the insufficient forecast service demand, the financial consequences of that demand, and the inherent operational risks with respect to workforce recruitment and retention. While the Study concluded that a Radiation Treatment Centre in Mount Gambier was not currently feasible, the options recommended had a deliberate focus on delivering tangible benefits to the Limestone Coast community to increase the utilisation of, and access to, radiation treatment for LCLHN residents.
These options focus on reducing the need for travel for elements of the patient treatment journey, reducing the financial and other impacts of travelling for radiation treatment, and increasing resources directed towards care management and patient support.
I would like to commend you and the team on a robust & well evidenced feasibility study. You and your team have been incredible to work with and I am confident the final report and recommendations are both achievable and meaningful for the Limestone Coast community.
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we live, work and play and honour their connection to Country and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
