Calvary Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Tracey Tay, said the Australian Cancer Plan aimed to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities in access to care and treatments, and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer, and their families and carers.

“With hospital, home and community care, and residential aged care services across much of Australia, Calvary is well placed to assist where we can,” Dr Tay said.

“In particular though, our specialist cancer services in Adelaide and Newcastle are leaders in their fields, and our clinicians and staff have a great deal of knowledge, expertise and experience to offer.”

Calvary North Adelaide Hospital and the Calvery Connery Centre in Elizabeth Vale, provide comprehensive cancer care to the people of South Australia, from diagnosis, specialist care, administration of day centre and inpatient, as well as a highly regarded palliative care in the home service and end-of-life care in Mary Potter Hospice.

Calvary Mater Newcastle is one of the busiest adult cancer treatment facilities in NSW, with the largest regional specialist radiation therapy centre in NSW. Its hospice also supports people in the last stages of life. Both services are actively involved in clinical trials, providing patients access to new treatments.

Dr Tay said the exchange of information and expertise would flow both ways to mutually benefit both organisations and enhance patient services and outcomes.

Australia has one of the highest cancer survival rates in the world, however, disparities in outcomes exist between and within certain population groups.

“As the national plan indicates, new developments to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment are occurring continually.

“The ability of the health system to systematically implement such improvements is important to ensure that people with cancer are offered up-to-date optimal care regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, language, or other barriers.

“We will look to help wherever we can, however collaborations that build on the goal of creating world-class health systems that consistently deliver optimal cancer care and excellence in outcomes for all will be a key focus.

“That is one area where Calvary can certainly assist the national effort.”

To find out more about Calvary’s services in your area, search for ‘cancer services’ at calvarycare.org.au.