Cancer care delivers for patients

PATIENTS rated cancer treatment clinics on the Northern Rivers among the best in NSW in a recent survey.

More than 8000 patients across NSW provided feedback about the care they received in the latest Bureau of Health Information’s Outpatient Cancer Clinics Survey.

Care levels either improved or remained consistent with previous survey results, although variation was seen across individual facilities.

Overall, Northern NSW Local Health District results significantly improved compared to the 2023 survey.

The clinic in Lismore received scores significantly higher than the NSW average in nine questions that rated healthcare professionals, patient involvement in decision-making, timeliness and coordination of care, ease of getting an appointment, and cleanliness.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Tracey Maisey said it’s encouraging to hear such positive feedback.

“”Our teams are focussed on providing a caring and compassionate experience for patients and their loved ones attending our cancer clinics,” Ms Maisey said.

“It’s wonderful to know that patients are feeling supported during their care, and that they are treated with the dignity and kindness they deserve.”

However, the survey also highlighted areas for improvement, with the Tweed clinic scoring below the state average in six questions.

Ms Maisey said the new Integrated Cancer Care Service at the Tweed Valley Hospital would provide excellent care in the new setting and deliver expanded services such as radiotherapy closer to home for more patients.

NSW chief cancer officer and chief executive of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien, said that every 10 minutes someone in NSW is diagnosed with cancer, with one person dying from the disease every half an hour.

“Our cancer services are among the best in the country and it’s imperative our health system delivers world-class cancer care in a safe and supportive environment,” Professor O’Brien said.

“These survey results highlight our commitment to delivering person-centred care with compassion, respect, and dignity.”

The NSW Government invests around $180 million each year, through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer care in NSW and lessen the impact of cancer for people across the state.

The results of the Bureau of Health Information Outpatient Cancer Clinics Survey 2024 are available at www.bhi.nsw.gov.au.