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PICS Pulse newsletter | ISSUE 49 | May 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the 49th issue of the PICS Pulse newsletter. Each month we provide updates on projects, upcoming events, and information relevant to our PICS members.
Standards of care workshop update
We are excited to be hosting the next workshop in our Standards of care program that brings the PICS network together to drive impactful change and equitable access to paediatric cancer care in Victoria.
Launched last year, each solutions-driven workshop covers the complete pathway in a specific diagnosis. They help multidisciplinary experts to agree on shared care opportunities across the state, and identify future improvements in the patient pathway.
Our previous workshops identified a number of improvement action items focused on statewide MDMs and regional care, which we have incorporated and been working on via MDM and ROSCP (Regional Outreach and Share Care Program) improvement projects.
Our next workshop will take place this winter and will focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
CCF supporting local enhancement
We thank the Children’s Cancer Foundation for awarding a grant to enhance access to capillary sampling (fingerprick) blood tests across the Loddon Mallee region.
This method of blood sampling is less painful and invasive than standard methods and is preferred by many children who need repeated blood tests throughout their lengthy treatments.
This enhancement will mean patients and families can get blood tests completed locally and reduce the need to travel to Melbourne for simple blood tests.
Bendigo Health is partnering with PICS and LMICS to support upskilling of local treating teams and pathology collection centres in the region. This service enhancement will benefit all children being treated for cancer but also children needing blood tests for other reasons across Northwest Victoria.
Free webinar to strengthen project skills
The VICS cancer survivorship program is hosting a free online education session to strengthen project skills in a healthcare setting.
Whether you are new to service improvement projects or looking to build on existing experience, this webinar is for those interested in improving how projects are planned, delivered, and evaluated to support better patient, service, and system outcomes.
The webinar, taking place Thursday 4 June 10:00-12:00, is open to anyone working on survivorship projects and will have presentations on topics including:
- Data storytelling – What makes data communication effective?
- Project evaluation – Why does evaluation feel difficult?
- Effective writing – How do you craft meaningful messaging?
Spotlight on community supports - Paediatric palliative care
Despite major advances in childhood cancer treatment, there remain those for whom a cure is not possible.
Paediatric Palliative Care is a new website collaboration between Palliative Care Australia and Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand, to support those giving and receiving paediatric palliative care. It offers families practical and compassionate information, and advocacy, and recognises that being a health professional in this space can be rewarding but emotionally challenging.
Notable supports include:
- A resource library for families including videos and factsheets, broken into helpful sections: Understanding paediatric palliative care; ongoing care and support; support for end-of-life care.
- Guidelines, education, and learning for health professionals, including planning, communication skills, and emotional supports.
- Stories from families who have walked a similar path, and lessons by and for health professionals.
Spotlight on PICS resources - Learning Curve: education
and socialisation after childhood cancer
Some children who have been treated for cancer experience changes to how they think, act, and feel. This can impact things like developmental progress, learning, and friendships.
Our Learning Curve series of booklets for parents and teachers help these children socialise and learn at home and school. The booklets explain the challenges these children may face and describes strategies to help parents and teachers support children in managing them, and to more effectively participate and reach their full potential.
This series comes in three volumes, with guidance tailored to different educational and developmental stages:
- Preschool (kindergarten) to prep
- Primary to early secondary school
- Senior secondary school.
Please share this newsletter with others who may be interested in PICS news and events.
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