Allied Health Oncology Model of Care Project
Allied Health Oncology Model of Care (Prehabilitation through to survivorship) for the South West Region of Victoria.
BSWRICS has funded a 6-month project to enable South West Healthcare to scope an Allied Health Oncology Model of Care (Prehabilitation through to survivorship) for the South West region of Victoria
Cancer Australia recognises implementation of best practice cancer care in regional and rural locations requires a multidisciplinary focus. An integrated team approach where medical and allied health professionals collaboratively develop individualised treatment care plans for patients across the continuum of care is pivotal in cancer care.¹
Cancer treatment is currently delivered across multiple health services in South West Victoria including South West Healthcare (SWH), Portland District Health (PDH), Western District Health Services (WDHS), ICON Warrnambool and St John of God Warrnambool.
In the South West region of Victoria, public, private and community Allied Health providers across the five local government areas (Corangamite, Moyne, Warrnambool, Southern Grampians and Glenelg) have many and varied approaches to cancer care with limited oversight or connectivity.
Allied Health workforce challenges in small rural areas likely contributes to this picture but even where services are available, participation in cancer allied health programs is estimated to be between 10-20% with limited intervention in the “prehabilitation” phase.
With the recent establishment of the newly formed South West Local Health Service Network (SWLHSN), there is a unique opportunity to capitalise on strengthening partnerships to collaborate effectively and ensure all South West Victorians have equitable access to best practice and consistent allied health interventions across the continuum of cancer care. Our focus is on ensuring equitable access to evidence-based allied health oncology interventions throughout all phases of care as outlined in the diagram below²:
Multiphasic Prehabilitation Across the Cancer Continuum: A Narrative Review and Conceptual Framework – figure 2
As the largest public health service in the South West region of Victoria, SWH has an important role to lead, support and advocate for our communities to receive patient-centred allied health cancer care that is closer to home.
Aim of the project
To develop recommendations for an optimal allied health oncology model of care across the South West Victorian region supporting integrated care and equitable access to allied health services throughout the cancer care continuum of care.
Project objectives
- Design and develop an optimal allied health oncology model of care for South West Victoria that aligns with best practice guidelines, Optimal care Pathways (OCPs) and both the Victorian and Australian Cancer Plans.
- Develop clearly defined referral pathways that support timely and appropriate access to allied health services across the South West Victorian region.
- Finalise the proposed allied health oncology model of care and obtain a formal agreement and endorsement from key stakeholders.
Madison Rush was appointed Project Lead in October 2025. Madison graduated from the University of Sydney and has been working as a physiotherapist for the past 12 years. Currently based at South West Healthcare, Madison is passionate about supporting oncology clients exercise and achieve their goals. For the past 7 years, Madison has been working in oncology rehabilitation and will be continuing in this role alongside her Project Lead role. Outside of work, Madison loves to travel and has visited 7 continents.
