Central Cancer Network

The Central Cancer Network has been set up to achieve the objectives of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy and Action Plan. The Network brings together nine district health board (DHB) districts – Tairawhiti, Taranaki, Whanganui, MidCentral, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Hutt Valley, Capital & Coast and Nelson/Marlborough. It covers a population of approximately 959,562 people and includes the two cancer centres at Palmerston North and Wellington hospitals.

Purpose

The aim of the Network is to facilitate the exchange of information to further develop and implement the New Zealand Cancer Control Action Plan and the Central Region Cancer Control Plan (2006).

Objectives

The Network is working to achieve the following objectives:

achieve the Cancer Control Strategy
reduce the incidence and impact of cancer
reduce inequalities
support the local delivery of effective and equitable cancer control services.

Role and Responsibilites

The Network has the following role and responsibilities:

agree and prioritise strategic regional priorities and a work programme with advice from six workstreams – promotion, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, support and rehabilitation, palliative care and research and surveillance
oversee the operational activities of the Network Management Team
identify opportunities for mutual support and collaboration among regional cancer control services across the cancer continuum of prevention, screening, diagnostic and treatment, support and rehabilitation, palliative care and research and evaluation
support and encourage partnerships and collaboration across the Network.

Network Structure

Central Network Structure

Network Members

The Network is governed by a 10-member Network Group. It is fortunate to have representation from DHBs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), primary health and Māori, Pacific and consumer groups.

Rapid development of Central Cancer Network

Networks represent an immense opportunity to share learning’s and to influence the direction of cancer control activity at a local, regional and national level.
The past few months has seen a rapid development of the Central Cancer Network (CCN), one of the four regional cancer networks across New Zealand. Regional cancer networks aim to enhance co-operation and collaboration of organisations involved in cancer control as part of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy Action Plan (PDF, 882 KB).
A governance group has been appointed from the region and represents the cancer continuum. It includes District Health Board (DHB), Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), Maori, Pacific Island and consumer representatives.

The management team includes a fulltime Network Manager and two part-time Clinical Directors.

The Network has met four times and aims to meet monthly during the initial establishment phase.

Outcomes to date include:

Developing a shared vision for the Network
Developing foundation documents e.g. Terms of Reference, Communication plan
Examining cancer control activity and issues around the region
Governance training
Consulting with Maori and Pasifika to determine the most appropriate way of engaging over such a wide geographic area
Guidelines for the establishment and operation of local cancer networks within DHBs have been developed and CCN is assisting with implementation
Strong linkages between CCN and the Ministry of Health Cancer Control Steering Group, Cancer Control Council Secretariat and the other three regional networks have also been established.

The team is keeping cancer service providers up to date about the development of the network and gathering information to inform the regional network’s work plan for 07/08.

The Cancer Control Council will be engaging with networks on as regular basis to ensure that they are meeting the objectives of the Cancer Control Action Plan and congratulates CCN on its progress to date.