The VCCC Alliance welcomes the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment in the health system, including investment in care closer to home and virtual emergency department. The alliance particularly welcomes the support for Data Connect+; a statewide data platform that will help drive earlier diagnosis, more connected care, and better outcomes for Victorians affected by cancer.
Data Connect+ is an important step forward, enabling clinicians, researchers and health services to better understand patient pathways and respond more effectively, particularly for priority populations and communities who can face additional barriers to care.
Cancer continues to impact thousands of Victorian families each year, and demand for services is expected to grow. Initiatives like Data Connect+ show the value of coordinated, system-wide approaches that bring the sector together to improve care and outcomes.
VCCC Alliance Chair Professor Sanchia Aranda, said while the investment in Data Connect+ and broader health initiatives is welcome, there is an opportunity to better embed cancer care within the Government’s health agenda.
“Health investment is always positive, and Data Connect+ is a critical foundation for better care,” Professor Aranda said.
“As cancer accounts for more than a quarter of all deaths in Victoria, there is a clear opportunity to ensure cancer prevention, treatment and research are fully integrated across the health system, particularly as demand continues to grow.”
The VCCC Alliance looks forward to working with the Victorian Government and partners across the sector to build on these investments and ensure cancer care and research are embedded across the broader health system. This will help ensure all Victorians can access timely, high-quality cancer care, no matter where they live.
Prof Aranda said the State Budget provides an important platform to continue strengthening cancer as a long-term health and economic priority and to work collaboratively to address persistent gaps in access and outcomes.
The VCCC Alliance is a partnership of leading hospitals, research and academic institutions working together to deliver better cancer outcomes statewide, with a focus on prevention, research translation, workforce capability and equitable access to best-practice care.
