About Us

The Victorian Cancer Reforms and Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS)

Provision of an efficient and effective cancer service system that meets the needs of those affected by cancer is the focus of the reforms implemented by the Victorian Government in 2004. The two key components of the cancer reforms were establishing Integrated Cancer Services and developing care based upon a tumour stream model of consultation.

The Integrated Cancer Services (ICS) are clusters of hospitals and associated health services that plan and improve services for people with all types of cancers within a geographic area. SMICS is one of eight regionally based integrated cancer services, whilst the Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service is a state-wide collaboration. SMICS comprises Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Peninsula Health and Southern Health.

The ten tumour streams include: breast, central nervous system, colorectal, genito-urinary, gynaecology, haematology, head and neck, lung, skin and upper gastro-intestinal. Fourteen Patient Management Frameworks (PMFs) were initially developed and in 2009 the osteosarcoma and soft tissue PMF was released. The PMFs are a guide to the optimal management of care for patients with particular tumour types.

Four priority outcome areas were identified for reform and are the basis for quality improvement with the ICS. These priority outcomes are:

  • multidisciplinary care (MDC)
  • care coordination (CC)
  • supportive care (SC)
  • reducing unwanted variations in care (RUVC).

SMICS Vision

Connecting cancer care, driving best practice and improving patient outcomes

SMICS Mission

Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Peninsula Health and Southern Health will work together to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer in southern Melbourne and beyond

SMICS Principles

  • Cancer services will be population-focused
  • individuals will have access to a full range of cancer services (prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, supportive care and palliative care
  • referral pathways will be clearly defined
  • care will be multidisciplinary and coordinated
  • service planning will support a critical mass of expertise and leadership to promote quality cancer care.

SMICS Governance

A shared governance council with the Monash Comprehensive Cancer Consortia (MCCC) and a management commitee are jointly responsible for SMICS governance.

Supportive Care

The Department of Health has identified supportive care as one of four key priority areas for service improvement. Supportive care refers to a range of generalist and specialist services which may be required by those affected by cancer. It includes self-help and support, information, psychological support, symptom control, social support, rehabilitation, spiritual support, palliative care and bereavement care.

Multidisciplinary Care

Multidisciplinary care is one of the four key priority areas identified by the Department of Health for service improvement. Multidisciplinary cancer care involves a team approach by a range of health professionals across all stages of diagnosis and treatment.

Primary Care

SMICS are committed to facilitating the involvement of primary care in cancer care and are working to improve the interface between the acute and primary care sectors in the following ways:

  • engage Medicare Locals and other primary care stakeholders in SMICS initiatives
  • provising opportunities for professional development for primary care providers
  • establishing surviviorship projects where the key principles are shared care
  • approach increasing Gp participation in MDT meetings improving two-way comunication between cancer clinicicians accross primary and acute care sectors.