WCMICS Launches Bold Strategy to Transform Cancer Care Across Western and Central Melbourne

Western & Central Melbourne

The Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (WCMICS) has launched its new four-year strategy (aligned to the Victorian Cancer Plan) aimed at delivering better care for people affected by cancer.

With a strong focus on equity, data-driven decision-making, and building sector capability, the WCMICS Strategy 2024–2028 is set to drive lasting, system-wide improvements.

Vision and Mission for the Future

At the heart of this strategy is a compelling vision: Better care for people affected by cancer. WCMICS is committed to improving patient experience and outcomes by connecting cancer care and driving best practices across the region.

WCMICS Program Director Kath Quade says, “This strategy is shaped by the voices of patients, clinicians, and services, highlighting the urgent need for cancer care that is more equitable, integrated, and responsive, driven by real insights.”

Three Strategic Focus Areas

The strategy is centered on three key focus areas:

  • Equity 
    Addressing disparities in cancer care access and outcomes, especially among priority populations such as CALD, LGBTQI+, and First Nations communities.
  • Optimal Care 
    Reducing unwarranted variations in cancer care by using local and tumour-specific data to inform decisions and actions.
  • Improvement Capability 
    Strengthening the skills, time, and support for clinicians to lead change and redesign care systems effectively.

Key Actions planned for Year One

The first year of the strategy focuses on high-impact initiatives designed to lay the groundwork for transformation:

  • Increasing data visibility that drives decision-making and contributes towards actionable improvements.
  • Establishing an improvement skills program to empower clinicians to lead improvement projects, with dedicated time funded.
  • Partnering with existing organisations and initiatives to amplify collective impact across the sector.
  • Supporting process mapping by tumour stream to identify and address key points of variation in care.
  • Scoping initiatives to improve access to and experiences of cancer care for priority communities.
  • Aligning grant funding to sector needs and effort of quality improvement projects, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Impact and What Success Looks Like

The strategy promises wide-ranging benefits, including:

  • Empowered Patients: Initiatives designed to address community needs, such as better access to interpreters and cultural supports.
  • Skilled Workforce: Cancer clinicians equipped and supported to lead meaningful improvements in care.
  • Data-Driven Action: Targeted improvements driven by local data to reduce variation in care delivery.
    Sustainable Projects: Funding models that ensure lasting and embedded changes.
  • Stronger Partnerships: Collaboration that extends reach and accelerates progress across sectors.

By 2028, WCMICS envisions a region where every person affected by cancer has access to equitable, integrated, and patient-centred care. This will be delivered by a skilled workforce, underpinned by evidence and driven by collaborative partnerships.

For more information or to get involved Contact WCMICS