What is the Barwon South Western Regional Integrated Cancer Service (BSWRICS)?

BSWRICS has now been in operation since January 2005. We have been established as part of the Victorian Governemnt's cancer reforms to support and enhance cancer service delivery in the Barwon South Western Region. Eight integrated cancer services have been established across Victoria, five in regional Victoria and three in metropolitan Melbourne.

The goal of BSWRICS is that all hospitals and associated health services in the Barwon South Western Region will work together to deliver services to people with all types of cancer. In 2005 BSWRICS undertook analysis of cancer service delivery across the region to identify how care might be better co-ordinated and patients better supported to navigate their way through the cancer service system. We have presented a regional Cancer Services Plan to the Department of Human Services Cancer and Palliative Care Unit.

In 2006 and 2007 BSWRICS will be implementing a number of specific cancer service improvement initiatives to enhance co-ordination of care, multidisciplinary care and psychosocial and supportive care for cancer patients in our region. For more information about our projects please contact our office at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.