A vision for superficial radiotherapy in rural western Victoria.

Abstract

A partnership between a regional health service and a metropolitan radiotherapy service provider was formed to deliver publicly funded superficial radiotherapy for patients in Western Victoria. It is a single operator unit that commenced treatments in May 2019. Recognising the need to deliver comprehensive skin cancer care to the people of the Grampians region, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services requested and subsequently approved a submission for a capital grant to fund the purchase of superficial treatment machine, minor room works and start‐up costs of the service.

This presentation will outline the processes used and challenges encountered in setting up a remote superficial radiotherapy service when partnering with another health service. Drawing on the experience of the first 11 months of operation, utilisation data will be presented along with a discussion of the communication and promotion strategies implemented. The logistical and practical challenges encountered when running a remote single operator service, including verification procedures, cyber security arrangements, administrative support, staff redundancy and opportunities for education and team inclusion of the single operator will be discussed.