About PICS - How we work
As part of the VICS, the Victorian Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service (PICS) is funded by the Victorian Government to lead the networked paediatric cancer care system across Victoria.
We are a partnership of 3 health services that provide Victoria’s paediatric primary diagnostics and treatment services, working with 9 regional health services to deliver family-centred care closer to home across Victoria.
Our vision - All Victorians affected by childhood cancer always receive the best possible care, as close to home as possible.
Our values - That paediatric cancer care will be family-centred and evidence based for all Victorians affected by childhood cancers.
Our role
Our role is improving patient experiences and outcomes by connecting cancer care and driving best practice. We achieve this by:
- building relationships across Victoria to facilitate equitable access to family-centred paediatric cancer care
- engaging with consumers, health professionals, and our partners to inform projects and programs of work based on their needs
- developing resources that support patients, caregivers, and health professionals throughout the cancer journey
- using data and the best available evidence to set statewide standards of care, drive innovation, and improve processes and outcomes
- leading and championing the implementation of best practice models of care
- improving the effectiveness of cancer care through system planning, coordination, and integration across geographic areas.
We also administer the statewide Regional Outreach & Shared Care Program and the Long Term Follow-up Program, which connects Victoria’s primary treatment centres with 9 shared care partners across the state to deliver care closer to the home throughout the cancer journey.
Governance
Our work is guided by the PICS network strategic priorities, in alignment with the Victorian Cancer Plan, and by our committees.
We share our progress against these in our annual reports and forums.
Acknowledgements
PICS acknowledges the Victorian Government for its ongoing support, and both the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation and the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund for the financial support of the Regional Outreach & Shared Care Program. We are grateful to The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne for being our administrative host.
We also acknowledge Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their rich and enduring culture, and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge them as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely.
Hope and Connection – Bunjil, by Vegas Fitzmaurice, 2022. All rights reserved, Victorian Integrated Cancer Services. This artwork is protected by the Australian Copyright Act (1968). No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the artist. Please direct any enquiries via the VICS contact form.