About Tripartite National Strategic Plan 2012-2022
The Tripartite Committee is the peak professional group comprising the three key specialties and their respective organisations in the radiation oncology sector:
- Faculty of Radiation Oncology, RANZCR (FRO);
- Australasian College of Physical Scientists & Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) and
- Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR).
Ten years ago the Tripartite Committee developed a National Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology (Australia), which was the catalyst for the Baume Inquiry into radiotherapy services. There have been a number of developments in the sector, and these changes necessitate a re-evaluation of the current strategic issues in the sector.
After extensive consultation and twelve months of work, the Tripartite Committee is pleased to present ‘Planning for the Best: the Tripartite National Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology (Australia) 2012-2022’. The Plan is available online at www.radiationoncology.com.au.
The Plan outlines key issues for the radiation oncology sector and then sets the strategic directions for 2012-2022:
- Providing a quality radiation oncology service, with robust quality systems and standards in place
- Resourcing the radiation oncology sector, including workforce and infrastructure, to match the growing cancer incidence
- Ensuring rural and regional patients have timely and affordable access to services
- Enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient access
- Supporting research and academia as foundations of future practice
To achieve these strategic directions the Plan puts forward 93 recommendations.
A strong radiation oncology sector is indispensable for an effective cancer control strategy. Radiotherapy contributes 40% of cancer cures and will remain a vital component of cancer care.
Over half of all new cancer patients need radiotherapy. Currently, access to radiation oncology services remains a problem for many Australian patients. At least 18,000 cancer patients will not receive potentially beneficial radiotherapy treatment in 2012. This number will grow to 24,000 in 2022 if current issues are left unaddressed.
To prepare Australia for the increasing cancer incidence, expansion of radiation oncology services should be enacted in a planned and sustainable way. ‘Planning for the Best: Strategic Plan 2012-2022’ charts a course of action to address the strategic issues important for the delivery of safe, high quality and accessible radiation oncology services.
If you would like hard copies of the document or if you would like to share your views, please contact the Faculty of Radiation Oncology secretariat on faculty@ranzcr.edu.au
Acknowledgement
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists has received funding from the Australian
Government Department of Health and Ageing for the Tripartite Committee to undertake a project to develop the Tripartite National Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology (Australia).
The Tripartite Committee would like to acknowledge the contributions made by individuals and organisations as part of the stakeholder consultation to inform the development of the Plan and as experts advising the content of the Plan. The committee extends our gratitude to all those who took the time to make a submission.
Disclaimer
The opinions and or views contained in the Plan are those of the Tripartite Committee. Although the
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing funded the development of this work, it does not
endorse the views, opinions, standards or information expressed in the Plan.
Allen Consulting Report on Radiation Oncology Resources 2012