A new partnership between the Tasmanian Liberal Government and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will see improved cancer research, education and treatment for Tasmania.
Each week, thousands of Tasmanians receive care and treatment for cancer, and as a Government, we are committed to supporting Tasmanians to access the best possible treatment and care, closer to where they live so that they are surrounded by their families and loved ones.
Today I can announce the Tasmanian Government will work towards a new partnership with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, S.H.E (Support, Hope & Education), the University of Tasmania.
This new partnership is the beginning of something extraordinary right here in Tasmania and has been inspired by Tasmanian cancer patient, Jo Harris who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer.
It is because of Jo’s vision for Tasmanian patients to spend more time here at home receiving the care and treatment they need that this partnership has become a reality.
It will deliver world-leading cancer treatment and best practice recovery supports through a partnership between the Tasmanian Health Service and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
It will also deliver new models of support to people with cancer across the State, through a new Tasmanian Research and Wellness Centre, through a partnership with S.H.E.
And importantly, it will increase opportunities for Tasmanians with cancer to participate in clinical trials for rare types of cancer, as well as enhance critical research capabilities and education programs through an agreement with the University of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Health Service and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The partnership will also provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff and placements for students.
This new initiative will build upon the existing strengths in Tasmania, acknowledging the valuable local clinical trials and services already provided here, which will be enhanced by partnering with the globally recognised Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute and UTAS as a well-respected education provider.
A key stakeholder that has worked to drive this vision, is S.H.E, which will also play an important role in the partnership, as a Tasmanian provider of advocacy and support services to people with gynaecological cancer and their families.
Following the signing of the Statement of Intent today, all parties will now work to agree the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding within the next 90 days to detail how the partnership will work toward achieving these commitments.
I look forward to progressing discussions with our key partners over the coming months, as we work collaboratively toward our shared goal to enhance local cancer research and treatment to benefit Tasmanian patients.