Cancer Management

Adult cancer care in the CESPHN region is provided across two local health districts, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), and one health network, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney (SVHS), encompassing nine cancer centers supported by 73 multi-disciplinary teams and community palliative care services.

It is key priorities for CESPHN to: improve cancer outcomes, improve the quality of life for people with cancer and enhance the experiences for people with cancer. CESPHN’s work in the cancer management space is focused on supporting the delivery of coordinated patient-centered care and enhancing integration across the primary, community and acute care settings.

For more information on cancer management at CESPHN please contact the Cancer Management, Screening and Prevention Officer, Stephanie Walker at s.walker@cesphn.com.au

Click here to read CESPHN's 2020 Cancer Edition of our Primary Health Quarterly newsletter.

On this page:

• Shared Cancer Care
• GPCanShare
• GPCanShare Service Registration 
• Resources for GPs

Shared Cancer Care 

Patients with cancer are faced with complex decisions and care treatment across different settings. Lack of involvement in the cancer care system by primary providers leads to poor care coordination for patients with cancer. Poor care coordination is a significant contributor to poor patient outcomes, including a high proportion of palliative related hospitalizations.

Shared cancer care enhances integration of the care system, service navigation and allows for General Practice to effectively support the needs of their patients with timely access to specialist cancer expertise.

Cancer Australia has developed the following Principles of Shared Care

• Patient-centred
• Coordination, communication and continuity of care
• Support for primary care providers
• Support for specialist treatment team
• Care is delivered according to best practice standards

CESPHN has developed a shared care model, GPCanShare, that involves joint responsibility of patient care between both primary and acute care providers.

GPCanShare

GPCanShare is a collaboration between Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, Sydney Local Health District, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and St Vincent’s Hospital with the aim of enhancing cancer management in primary care.

The project will assist General Practices, community cancer services and specialist cancer services to work together in providing care for patients with cancer and improve their experience of the cancer system.

Integrated Nurse Coordinators will facilitate seamless coordination of care for patients and liaise between the patient’s cancer specialist team and their General Practitioner. GPs will be provided regular updates on all aspects of their patient’s care via their preferred communication method, including clinical and supportive care.

Additionally, the nurse coordinator will encourage patients to see their GP when required regarding problems that can be managed in the GP setting.

All patients with cancer attending the below cancer centres have the option of having their care provided collaboratively by a recognised GP and the hospital-based services:

• The Kinghorn Cancer Centre
• Concord Repatriation General Hospital
• Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
• Sydney Local Health District cancer facilities
• St George and Sutherland Hospital
• Prince of Wales Hospital