Townsville Cancer Centre wins national award

The Townsville University Hospital’s Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) has been named the best regional, rural, and remote site in Australia by the country’s peak body for gastro-intestinal cancer research the Australian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG). 

Radiation oncologist Dr Tim Squire said to win the award was great recognition for all the hard work the clinicians, nurses, scientists, and support staff do every day. 

“Our world-class telehealth trials which helps to recruit patients in rural and regional areas for trials was recognised by AGITG,” Dr Squire said. 

“Clinical trials are very important because the only way we can make progress in treating medical issues like cancer is through trying new things. 

“Often, it’s people in metro sites who have access to these trials because of resourcing and distance. 

“Gastro-intestinal cancers can be quite aggressive so to have trials groups looking at new therapies to treat these cancers is important to improving outcomes. 

““The telehealth trials model not only connects patients but also smaller and larger centres to function as a collaborative network which helps patients and staff. 

“We are fortunate to be affiliated with James Cook University which facilitates further advances in research.” 

Radiation oncologist Dr James Gallo accepted the award on behalf of the team at the event late last year. 

He said it was a great honour to see the team recognised for their work. 

“TCC’s senior medical oncologist Professor Sabe Sabesan was the driving force behind the telehealth trials initiative and since then we have seen it flourish and help so many people,” Dr Gallo said.

“The work he has done has had an impact internationally as researchers and medical professionals have looked at our model of delivering telehealth trials,” Dr Gallo said. 

“One of the greatest challenges the Townsville Hospital and Health Service face is the vast geographical area that we service. 

“Initiatives like this fill me with a great sense of satisfaction when I can offer someone living in a rural or remote location access to a clinical trial. 

“It makes an enormous difference to our patients, who often have difficulty accessing high quality and timely healthcare that people closer to major hospitals and healthcare facilities might take for granted. 

“It also strengthens the professional networks between our centre and the amazing clinicians and support staff who are on the ground in the local communities. Without them, none of this would be possible.”