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PICS Pulse newsletter | ISSUE 47 | March 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the 47th issue of the PICS Pulse newsletter. Each month we provide updates on projects, upcoming events, and information relevant to our PICS members.
Launching VCCOR at the PICS Annual Forum
A heartfelt thank you to everyone that could join us for the PICS Annual Forum last month.
Minister Danny Pearson announcing the VCCOR funding
We officially launched the Victorian Childhood Cancer Outcomes Registry (VCCOR), including a very special announcement by the Hon. Danny Pearson MP, Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs and Minister for Finance.
Minister Pearson announced $690,000 in funding for VCCOR from the Children’s Cancer CoLab, with support from the Victorian State Government and the Children’s Cancer Foundation. This funding enables us to fully embed the registry over the next two years.
Led by PICS and in partnership with Victoria’s major children’s cancer centres, VCCOR enables linking and analysis of information that has - until now - been difficult to access at scale. It provides a clearer picture of how childhood cancer and its treatments affect patients, and will guide research and service improvement to drive optimal care and long-term outcomes for future patients and their families.
Presentations by childhood cancer survivor Maya Oldroyd, and clinicians Dr Marty Campbell and Dr Michael Nightingale
During the forum, we also heard from:
- Teenager and childhood cancer survivor Maya and her mum Sheila, sharing their moving experiences of Maya’s neuroblastoma diagnosis and treatment, and the complications in the years since.
- Dr Marty Campbell and Dr Michael Nightingale, clinicians that treated Maya and spoke on the challenges of balancing necessary, life-saving treatment with the – potentially life-long – consequences of that care.
- Heather Laing-Peach and Susan Skinner, CNCs that have supported Maya in the Long Term Follow-up Program (LTFP), detailing the benefits of being able to identify trends and deliver timely and targeted interventions for childhood cancer survivors like Maya.
Each story highlighted the opportunity for VCCOR to support clinicians and improve experiences and long-term outcomes for patients and families.
As Sheila said during the forum: “Behind every data point is a child similar to Maya - growing up, making decisions about their future, managing friendships and independence - while carrying the lifelong legacy of treatment.”
Couldn't join us on the day? Watch the full recording on YouTube.
Monash chemotherapy in the home expansion
Following a collaborative project with Monash Children’s Hospital, the Monash Children's at Home (MCAH) program has been expanded to include delivery of low-complexity intravenous chemotherapy. The project included the development of an education program to upskill the MCAH nursing workforce, and developing procedures for in-home chemotherapy administration.
With increasing demand on both the MCH Day Oncology Unit and Inpatient Wards, this expansion of the MCAH program offers a safe and effective alternative to hospital-based treatment and enhances the patient and family experience.
Feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive with families appreciating the hours of travel saved for every treatment, and being able to stay together with a sense of normality.
One family has found it a helpful shared and learning experience with siblings. Another family has noted that receiving chemo in the home has alleviated the patient's hospital and treatment related anxiety, making a "day and night" difference to their experience of care.
VICS consumer language survey
The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) are seeking feedback on the language we use to describe people who have used, or currently use, cancer and health services.
These people may be referred to as ‘consumers’ or by other terms as such ‘people with lived experience’, but the VICS recognises that describing people in this way may not feel right or accurately reflect their experience or the important role they play in improving cancer services.
If you have/have had cancer or have supported a family member with cancer, your input will help us choose language that best reflects your experience and will shape how we refer to people impacted by cancer.
The short survey was developed in partnership with current VICS consumers, and should take less than five minutes. It closes on Monday 23 March.
Inaugural Children’s Cancer CoLab forum
On Thursday 28 May, the inaugural CoLab Forum will bring together the childhood cancer community for a day of connection, collaboration and innovation.
Under the theme Accelerating research, innovation and collaboration, the CoLab Forum will showcase research, highlight collaborative projects, and create space for meaningful discussions that seek to spark collaborative initiatives across sectors and disciplines.
Spotlight on community supports - Kids’ guide to cancer
The Camp Quality Kids’ guide to cancer is a dedicated area of age-appropriate cancer education for kids up to 15 years old. It’s designed to improve understanding for all children impacted by cancer, including when a family member or friend is diagnosed.
Topics include:
- what is cancer, and common types of cancer for kids, women, and men
- treatment types, and items involved in care
- people who help, both in and out of hospital
- how to help a family member or friend that has cancer.
There is also a series of short, animated videos from the perspective of children.
Notably, the information can be played as audio clips in addition to the plain language text. Both written and audio are also available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, and Hindi.
Spotlight on PICS resources - Allied health introduction to paediatric oncology e-learning
Did you know that we have a course for allied health, administration, and support staff working with childhood cancer patients and families?
Our Introduction to paediatric oncology course is available as an online education pack, allowing staff to complete the training at their own pace.
Topics include:
- types of childhood cancer
- an overview of paediatric cancer in Victoria
- childhood cancer treatments and side effects
- psychosocial impacts of cancer on patients and families.
The pack consists of:
- a course with four hours of online education recordings, and presentation downloads
- a frequently asked questions supporting document
- post course information with additional resources.
Please share this newsletter with others who may be interested in PICS news and events.
Missed a previous issue of PICS Pulse? Find them here!
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