The practice understands the unique challenges that rural communities face when it comes to accessing cancer care and we strive to bridge that gap. The oncologists have played an instrumental role in advocating for improved access to cancer services. Their contributions include:
- Extensive lobbying for federal funding to enhance cancer services in the northern rivers. The region was successful in obtaining almost 30 million dollars of federal funding for the North Coast Cancer Institute, new radiotherapy services, and diagnostic services (PET scanner).
- “Our House” accommodation facilities for patients and their families.
- Acquiring a Cancer Council Information centre in St Vincent’s Hospital. Oncology North Coast has developed partnerships with the Cancer Council NSW to support informational, psychological, emotional and socioeconomic needs of our patients.
- Dr Adam Boyce is the current rural and regional representative for the Private Physicians of Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the improvement of the health system for all cancer patients.
- By utilising telemedicine, transportation and other local resources, the oncologists have improved access to optimal cancer treatment and care.
