The Minister for Health has announced the establishment of a new group to improve public participation in the planning and delivery of cancer services across the ACT.
Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Cancer Consumer Reference Group would provide cancer services-related advice to Canberra Health Services.
“Members will provide cancer services-related strategic advice to Canberra Health Services, identify and advise on priority areas and issues of concern and help to facilitate communication between Canberra Health Services, consumers and carers,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
She said cancer treatment often happened over a prolonged period, giving those going through treatment and their carers an “intimate experience” of how cancer services operated and how they can be improved.
“This group is an opportunity for us to meaningfully engage with people who have the experience, knowledge and understanding of the issues associated with cancer services and treatment in the ACT,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
Executive Director of Cancer and Ambulatory Support at ACT Health, Cathie O’Neill said staff at the Canberra Regional Cancer Centre treated an average of 100 patients and provided between 50 and 100 chemotherapy and other cancer treatments every week day.
“The establishment of this group will provide the Cancer team with a permanent cancer consumer reference group that represents the community and their needs,” Ms O’Neill said.