Initiatives

The Midland Cancer Network Strategic Plan outlines the focus for the next five years. The Annual Work Plan outlines the strategic priorities to be implemented and aligns with the National Cancer Control Programme priorities.

2009-2010 priority initiatives include:

To foster clinical leadership with the establishment of the regional lung, colorectal and supportive care work groups
To improve access, waiting times and streamline the patient journey for bowel and lung cancer, focusing on service improvement activities from referral to first treatment
To reduce inequalities along the cancer continuum
To improve and increase access to PET-CT scans
To update the Midland Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment Services Plan (Barber,2004)
To promote regional planning and improve access to palliative care

In addition Ministry of Health one off service development fund initiatives

Midland Cancer Network achievements and progress is detailed in annual reports.

Key achievements include:

2008-2009

development of the Midland Cancer Network Strategic Plan 2009-2014
Midland pscho-social assessment tool project report
LEAN thinking colonoscopy training team
Midland Cancer Network consumer and carer participation framework and plan
Maori, Pacific, refugee and new migrants' governance structure and participation framework
regional rollout of the care of the dying Liverpool Care Pathway

2007-2008

establishment of the Midland adolescent/young adult cancer service
early stage breast cancer service and patient mapping
development of a Midland care co-ordination framework
formal establishment of the New Zealand regional cancer networks - 1 January 2007

2006-2007

establishment of a resident medical oncology/haematology service in Tauranga
development of Midland DHB cancer control action plans