RANZCR: Supporting Quality Radiation Therapy in Regional Areas

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Inside News June 2020

The Radiation Oncology Alliance has recently updated guidance for provision of radiation therapy in regional or rural centres.

The Alliance consists of the four peak bodies representing radiation oncology professionals—the College’s Faculty of Radiation Oncology, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, and Cancer Nurses Society of Australia.

The issues paper, Establishing and Sustaining Regional and Rural Radiation Therapy Centres, was first published in 2016 to give practical guidance to new and established radiation therapy centres providing services to regional areas.

Although focused on non-metropolitan centres, some of the content is relevant to any service. The 2020 update considers new and emerging techniques and technologies, changing models of care, and provides what are considered the minimum requirements for creating and continuing management of safe and quality service in regional areas.

There was considerable stakeholder feedback during consultation, which was gratefully received by the Alliance.

The Alliance chose to update the guidance following government announcements in both New Zealand and Australia that will have positive impacts on access to services in regional areas.

In announcing funding for replacements of half the linear accelerators in New Zealand, the Ardern government noted that radiation therapy would be able to be delivered in Northland, Taranaki and Hawkes Bay, reducing travel for patients in these areas.

In the lead up to the May 2019 Australian federal election, the Morrison Government committed to establishing an additional 13 regional radiation therapy centres across the country. In the media release by the Nationals, it was acknowledged that neither the cost of radiation therapy nor the effectiveness as a treatment were barriers for patients; access is the key issue. Providers will tender to extend access to radiation therapy in the 13 identified areas, with the tender process managed by the Federal Department of Health.

The Radiation Oncology Alliance’s draft regional issues paper was shared with the Department of Health to help inform determinations around the upcoming tender and support quality service provision.

Members and stakeholders are encouraged to download and read the document, available on the College website:

www.ranzcr.com/college/documentlibrary/consultation-establishing-andsustaining-regional-rural-and-remoteradiation-therapy-centres