GP Oncology Hotline – Bendigo Health

Purpose

To enhance the accuracy & timeliness of GP referrals to appropriate cancer treatment and support

What we did

In response to evidence that incorrect GP referrals (to the wrong service or without the right tests) were delaying diagnosis and care for some patients, LMICS established a GP Oncology Hotline within Bendigo Health. A simple was developed in partnership with the Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) to support the new GP Oncology Hotline. The guide showed GPs what tests to order and provided contact details for local and Melbourne specialists by tumour stream.

Output

The hotline, staffed during-hours by a roster of oncologists in the Bendigo Cancer Centre, provides GPs with access to immediate advice. It was marketed extensively to GPs. The hotline was piloted from September 2019 and received an average of 9 calls per month – a total of 83 calls over the initial 8 months. The GP referral guide was published on the LMICS website and linked extensively in the PHN’s Health Pathways.

Impact

Following the pilot, Medical Oncologists agreed to maintain the hotline as it showed clear benefits to patients and GPs and saved them time chasing up incomplete referrals. The GP Hotline has been embedded into business as usual (BAU) and receives an average of 12 calls per month.

Contact the hotline

If you are a GP who refers cancer patients to Bendigo Health, you can speak directly to a Medical Oncologist 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday–Friday.

If you need an opinion regarding a time-critical clinical decision, or urgent referral guidelines for suspected cancer, please call (03) 5454 8890. At all other times, when seeking clinical advice, call Bendigo Health switchboard on (03) 5454 6000 and ask for the Oncology Registrar.