VICS-supported work showcased at CNSA Congress 2026

Statewide - Adult

In June 2026, the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) gathered cancer nurses, researchers, educators and leaders in Perth to connect and advance cancer nursing practice.

Cancer service improvement initiatives supported by the VICS were showcased at the event in digital posters and oral presentations:

  • Supported by a GICS grant and led by Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre and Grampians Health
  • Enabled timely, in-unit nasogastric tube insertions by trained oncology nurses – reducing emergency department presentations, minimising patient distress, and improving continuity of care at the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC) / Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre (BAROC).
  • Poster presented by Jinu Andrews, Grampians Health
  • Download the poster PDF
  • Read more about this project.

  • A collaboration between HRICS and the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse (PCSN) at Albury Wodonga Health
  • Added 3 new tools to the PCSN workflow: a referral prioritisation tool, a patient intake form, and a patient referral intake database
  • Improved service efficiencies, patient visibility, and referral management
  • Poster presented by Monique Beecroft, HRICS
  • Download the poster PDF
  • Read more about this project.

  • 8-month pilot of a new, holistic, person-centred model of care to offer tailored support for patients navigating life beyond cancer care
  • Findings will support development of a sustainable, integrated service at St John of God Ballarat and a framework for implementation at other private health services
  • Poster presented by Kirsten Ives, GICS
  • Download the poster PDF
  • Read more about the launch of the clinic.

and

A statewide evaluation of symptom and urgent review clinics

  • Partnership between LMICS, Bendigo Health and Bendigo Community Health Service
  • Supporting former refugees to better understand cancer, prevention, early intervention, and optimal care pathways
  • Presentation by Lisa Carson, Bendigo Health
  • Download the presentation (PDF)
  • Read more about this project.

  • Presentation by Frezsa Fulia, VICS Cancer Survivorship Program manager
  • The VICS conducted a statewide environmental scan to establish a baseline of what cancer survivorship services exist in Victoria, how they are delivered, and where there are gaps.
  • These insights now inform the next phase of the VICS Cancer Survivorship Program – supporting health services across the state to adopt, adapt, and scale effective models of care.
  • Download the presentation slides (PDF)
  • Read about the VICS Cancer Survivorship Program.

  • WCMICS partnered with 5 health services to pilot a new model of care: Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Western Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Werribee Mercy Hospital
  • Model embeds a structured survivorship needs assessment and tailored survivorship care plan at the transition from treatment to post-treatment care
  • Pilot tested feasibility, scalability, and adaptability across tumour streams and service contexts
  • Presentation by Alexia Koutoulas, WCMICS
  • Download the presentation slides (PDF)
  • Read more about this project.

Digital posters presented at the CNSA congress are also available on the CNSA website here.

Trish Barnes and Michelle Templeton posing together at a conference, wearing delegate badges and standing in front of a purple Cancer Nurses Society of Australia backdrop.

Projects

Contact