Rationale
Patients diagnosed with gynaecologic cancers in Gippsland require a multidisciplinary approach to specialised care and treatment. This requires timely and efficient coordination between local and metropolitan cancer care centres. A lack of coordination and formal pathways often leads to treatment delays, with data showing the median time from diagnosis to treatment for these patients is almost double the state average. Additionally, fragmented communication hinders reliable handover and repatriation, placing additional burden on patients and their families, including financial strain, logistical challenges and emotional stress.
Methods
A multi-health service Gynae-Oncology Working Group has been established to develop and embed a formalised care pathway between the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC) and Monash Health (MH). This includes clearly defined referral, treatment, and communication processes designed to support more timely, reliable, and equitable care delivery.
Impact on Practice
Pathway implementation aims to improve care coordination between GCCC and MH by facilitating timely access to specialist care, enabling effective and structured communication, and ensuring reliable patient handover. The promotion of shared clinical decision-making through the presentation of Gippsland patients at MH multidisciplinary meetings reflects this aim. This model not only supports improved patient outcomes through earlier access to treatment but also enhances linkages to clinical trials and knowledge sharing between metropolitan and regional clinicians. The streamlined pathway will provide a foundation for seamless repatriation, supporting care closer to home.
Discussion
This project directly addresses Action 14 of the Victorian Endometrial Cancer Action Register 2025, which calls for improved integration between regional and metropolitan cancer services. By embedding sustainable, process-driven systems, the project fosters a collaborative and systemic approach. This structured pathway is expected to result in long-term improvements in communication, timely care, access to clinical research, and knowledge sharing—ultimately leading to better outcomes for people with gynaecological cancers in Gippsland.