Support cancer research this holiday season

Peter Mac shines with nine finalists in Victorian Public Healthcare Awards

The number of finalist nominations underscores the tireless work of staff, volunteers and partners, who are all united by a shared mission to improve the lives of cancer patients, both here in Victoria and right around the globe.

Peter Mac’s Chief Executive Professor Jason Payne said being a finalist for the Premier’s Large Health Service of the Year was down to the dedication of the 4,000-strong team providing world-class cancer care across Peter Mac’s six campuses.

"As we mark 75 years of providing specialist cancer care in 2024, being a finalist in this category is a reflection of our deep commitment to the Victorian community since 1949,” Professor Payne said following the announcement on Tuesday.

"This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit at Peter Mac, where our staff, volunteers, and partners work together on transformational projects that improve the health and wellbeing of our patients and the environment.

“We are incredibly proud to stand alongside some of the best health services in Victoria, all continuously striving to do better for our community through exceptional patient care, relentless research, education and innovation.”

In addition to the Premier’s Large Health Service of the Year, Peter Mac-led or collaborative projects were finalists in five further categories, celebrating patient experience, environmental sustainability, value-based healthcare and volunteer teams.

You can read about each of the finalists below:

Category: Partnering with Consumers to Improve Patient Experience.

Ensuring every patient's feedback matters, to everyone at Peter Mac

To better provide person-centred care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre made an organisation-wide change to improve communication with patients, families and carers. The Your Thoughts Matter communication training program was designed by Deakin University's Centre for Organisational Change in Person-Centred Healthcare and aims to improve the patient experience and build the confidence, knowledge, and communication skills of staff. The key tenet is consistent delivery of communication at every patient encounter, by every staff member. The program also empowers patients to share their thoughts on 'what matters to them' and shift the focus away from 'what is the matter with them.'

Peter Mac Supporting Carers Strategy and Carer Support Program

The Peter Mac Supporting Carers Strategy and Carer Support Program were co-designed with consumers to align with the Victorian Carer Strategy, which increases recognition, inclusion, and support services for carers. The program provides accessible one-on-one support to navigate cancer services and to access wellbeing services. Peter Mac's Carer Support Officer works with carers to identify their needs, develop a wellbeing plan and connect with appropriate internal and community support services. This is supplemented by a clinical psychologist who provides accessible psychology services and a Carer's Peer Support Group, providing a safe space for carers to connect and share their experiences.

The Parkville hospital disability identifier project 

(The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, The Royal Women's Hospital)

Parkville's Disability Identifier electronic questionnaire was co-designed by individuals with lived experience and their carers. It provides health services a way to hear the voice of consumers with disability on admission or referral, enabling a person-centred care experience. Formal evaluation has revealed strong acceptability of the tool from consumers and clinicians. At each Parkville precinct hospital, consumers with disability can proactively identify, ensuring care teams understand their adjustment requirements, which strengthens data for policy and clinical practice to improve outcomes for patients with disability. This work is already informing clinical practice in disability identification and care in Victoria.

Category: Creating a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health System

Introducing reusable gowns and drapes at Peter Mac

Theatre staff at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre have introduced reusable gowns and drapes for cancer surgery in a 2-stage pilot. Theatre staff have embraced the change with every survey respondent saying they would support the ongoing use of reusable linen. 

If reusable gowns and drapes were used across all of Peter Mac's operating theatres, clinical waste would be reduced by 10,968kg, reducing emissions by 11,780kg CO₂e. The organisation would also save $23,000 in clinical waste disposal costs. This environmental sustainability project contributes towards a net zero health system and will help Peter Mac achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Collaborating to facilitate transformational change in health service environmental sustainability

(Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women's Hospital & University of Melbourne).

The Health Service Environmental Sustainability Competition has empowered staff across Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Women's Hospital to design and deliver innovative solutions to reduce unnecessary testing, low quality care, carbon emissions and waste in their local areas.

Support and education provided through the University of Melbourne enabled these projects to deliver sustained carbon savings of 2.6 million kg of carbon, $800,000, 3,000kg of waste and kept 250,000 single-use items out of landfill. They look forward to expanding across Victoria and nationally.

Category: Excellence in Value-Based Healthcare

A Regional Approach to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery and Prehabilitation

(West Metro Health Service Partnership: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Western Health, The Royal Women's Hospital, The Royal Melbourne Hospital.)

The West Metro Health Service Partnership launched the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery plus Prehabilitation (ERAS+) project to improve care for surgical patients. Through collaboration, they designed, implemented, and evaluated an innovative approach to improving the consistency and quality of surgical care across 5 hospitals.

Since its start in 2022, the project has helped over 800 patients, improving patient outcomes and experience and access to planned surgeries. Independent evaluation demonstrates cost-effectiveness of ERAS+, returning $2.62 for every dollar invested. Health services are integrating ERAS+ into regular practice, sharing learnings for wider adoption. Data and technology have ensured consistent, high-quality, patient-centred care.

Category: Safer Care Victoria Award for safety improvement

Keeping Patients Safe with Enhanced Care

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre opened its innovative 6-bed Enhanced Care Unit (ECU) in 2023 to provide comprehensive monitoring and support for patients who would otherwise need to be transferred to Royal Melbourne Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The Unit's highly skilled workforce provides a dedicated resuscitation and stabilisation area for deteriorating oncology patients.

Not only does the ECU impact positively on patient safety, outcomes and experience, it also improves bed access for Victorians to the adjacent Royal Melbourne Hospital Intensive Care Unit, leading to a reduction of surgery cancellations overall.

Category: Health Volunteer team of the year

The CommunKnitty Crafters

The CommuKnitty Crafters, based in Melton, are dedicated volunteers who create beautiful handmade items for patients at Peter Mac. A warm, beautiful blanket, a handmade beanie or beret can bring joy and comfort to individuals who are facing the challenges of a cancer journey. These items provide physical warmth but also a sense of dignity, individuality, and support during difficult times.

The Crafter’s consideration for diverse needs, including blankets with special indigenous designs, demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and care. It's wonderful to see how this initiative is providing practical support while also fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community.

Category: Premier's Large Health Service of the Year

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – or Peter Mac as it is known – is a globally-connected leader in cancer treatment, care, research and education. Now in its 75th year of providing specialist cancer care for the Victorian community, Peter Mac continues to break new ground and save lives.

Nearly everyone has a story about Peter Mac and its impact on their lives, or someone they know. Peter Mac's 4000-strong team of dedicated staff, including 750 researchers, are well known for their talent and commitment. Everyone is linked by a shared mission, and the values of compassion, excellence and innovation.