Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has announced a significant transition of its cancer services from Ramsay Health Care to public management. This change, which aims to enhance patient care and accessibility, is the culmination of extensive planning and community engagement. Dr. Steven McMahon, the newly appointed clinical director of cancer services, emphasized the importance of this shift for the community and the future of cancer care in the region.
Dr. McMahon, who has worked as a medical oncologist in Albury for nearly seven years, expressed pride in the existing cancer services, noting that they have been built through the dedication of the local community. The facilities and staff at AWH have achieved cancer survival rates comparable to those in metropolitan Melbourne, a testament to the quality of care provided.
Transitioning from a private to a public model has raised concerns among patients and community members alike. Dr. McMahon acknowledged these issues, stating that he has heard many worries directly from patients. He reassured the community that the day-to-day operations of the inpatient ward and day oncology service would largely remain unchanged, and patients will continue to see familiar faces among the staff.
The decision to move to public management follows two comprehensive reviews conducted in 2022. The first was an internal evaluation by Ramsay Health Care, which led to an independent review assessing the current and future state of cancer services. Dr. McMahon and numerous staff members contributed their insights during these evaluations, which highlighted the need for sustainability in the service moving forward.
“Despite our excellence now, we were unlikely to sustain this into the future,” Dr. McMahon noted. He emphasized that the transition would ensure that the cancer centre remains dedicated to treating cancer patients exclusively.
Contrary to some recent media reports, there are no plans to revert to a paper-based medical record system. The existing fragmented approach, which hinders effective information sharing among healthcare providers, will be replaced by a comprehensive electronic medical record system called Charm Evolution. This upgrade is designed to improve efficiency and accessibility for all staff, ultimately enhancing patient care.
The transition to public management will also benefit staff education and professional development. AWH’s recent admission as an associate member of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre alliance will provide new opportunities for training and support for medical professionals, which Dr. McMahon believes will improve job satisfaction and retention.
One of the most pressing issues facing cancer patients has been the high cost of outpatient care, which has been primarily provided by private practices such as Border Medical Oncology and Albury Wodonga Cancer Care. Rising operational costs and inadequate Medicare rebates have often resulted in significant out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Dr. McMahon highlighted that the transition to public management will eliminate these costs, ensuring that all patients have access to high-quality care without financial barriers.
“Patients will have the same access to high-quality care, free of charge, regardless of their financial situation,” he stated.
While acknowledging that significant changes often bring uncertainty, Dr. McMahon called for patience and understanding from the community as AWH undertakes this important transition. He reassured residents that the health and well-being of patients remain the top priority throughout this process.
As AWH prepares for this new chapter, Dr. McMahon expressed confidence in the community’s ability to adapt. “I have full faith we can deliver a public cancer service that the community can continue to be proud of,” he concluded.
This transition reflects a long-term commitment to improving cancer care in the Albury-Wodonga region and constitutes a strategic move towards sustainability and accessibility for all patients.
