GRICS

Welcome to GRICS, the Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service located in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia. As one of Victoria's nine Integrated Cancer Services, GRICS is part of the larger Victorian Integrated Cancer Service (VICS), which includes three metropolitan and five regional services, as well as a state-wide pediatric service.

GRICS is dedicated to positively impacting cancer outcomes for patients in the Gippsland region. Our Governance Group, consisting of 16 Gippsland public, private, and community health services, along with the Gippsland Primary Health Network, guides our work. We strive to foster strong working relationships with partner organizations and stakeholders to ensure best practice cancer service delivery within the region.

Our mission at GRICS is multifaceted. We focus on understanding the needs of people affected by cancer, building and supporting collaboration between health professionals, health services, and consumers, driving quality improvement in cancer care, supporting the development of the cancer workforce, and facilitating system-wide engagement in cancer research. By connecting cancer care and driving best practices, we aim to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

While GRICS holds no direct authority over member agencies, our governance structure allows us to promote service delivery improvements for regional cancer patients. We work closely with our membership and other key stakeholders to drive positive change.

The Gippsland region, where GRICS is located, covers over 18% of Victoria's total landmass and includes six Local Government Areas (LGAs): Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, Latrobe, South Gippsland, and Wellington. Cancer is a leading burden of disease in Victoria, with 28% of all deaths caused by cancer. Every day, 98 new diagnoses are made, which equates to one diagnosis every 15 minutes.

At GRICS, we collaborate with the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC), based at Latrobe Regional Hospital, to provide comprehensive cancer care. The GCCC offers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, specialist consulting, and support services to Gippsland cancer patients. This publicly funded facility ensures patients have access to state-of-the-art treatment technology while remaining close to their home, family, and friends.

In addition, we are proud to support the Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, a community-owned facility that provides safe, supportive, and affordable accommodation to patients and families of the GCCC. This facility plays a crucial role in ensuring patients have a comfortable and convenient place to stay during their treatment.

GRICS is also involved in various areas of cancer care, including survivorship, research, clinical trials, genomics, geriatric oncology, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander OCP, MDM support, communications, supportive care, repatriation referral pathways, data requests, data audits, and analysis. We also provide resources and information through our website, social media platforms, and communications channels.

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies, and abilities.

For more information about GRICS, the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre, or the Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, please visit our website or contact us directly. We are here to support you and your loved ones on your cancer journey.