ANNUAL REPORT 2008
KNOWLEDGE TO TRANSFORMATION
Sir Peter MacCallum (1885 –1974 ) believed nothing but the best was good enough when it came to cancer treatment. His vision helped build the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – Australia’s most comprehensive and internationally acclaimed centre for cancer treatment and research.
“As much as I hated being CONTENTS Who We Are 04 in hospital, the people Highlights 06 Technology 10 at Peter Mac were fantastic Report from the Chair and Chief Executive Officer 12 – they always had a smile and 2007 – 08 Overall Performance 16 Patient Care 22 encouraged me all the way.” Clinical Services Breast Kim Lane Gastrointestinal Melbourne University student, 2008 Gynae-oncology Haematology Head and Neck Kim Lane was a Year 12 student when she was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006. Lung While undergoing treatment at Peter Mac, Kim courageously kept up her studies Melanoma and Skin and sat her final exams, passing with flying colours. Neuro-oncology Paediatrics, Adolescents, Young Adult and Late Effects Sarcoma Uro-oncology Familial Cancer Centre Allied Health Occupational Therapy Nutrition Social Work Music Therapy Physiotherapy Clinical Psychology Pain and Palliative Care Satellite Units 40 Research 44 Education, Training and Professional Development 46 Community Spirit 50 Our People 58 Organisational Structure 70 Corporate Governance and Report of Operations 72 Financial Statements 87
Kim Lane (centre) with friends Anita Dass and Kelly Messiter. who we are
vision Multidisciplinary Model Patient Care Peter Mac will be recognised by the of Care community and professional peers, nationally Clinical Trials and internationally, as a premier resource for Peter Mac is a global leader in cancer therapy, Peter Mac is a leader in the delivery of cancer cancer patients in the provision of integrated research, education and training. The Centre care in a true multidisciplinary fashion and treatment, research and education. has an enviable reputation in delivering the 11 Clinical Services provide a means multidisciplinary patient care and aims to set to further develop this model of cancer care. mission national standards in therapy and treatment As Australia’s foremost specialist cancer – increasingly within an integrated model Clinical trials described in this report outline centre, Peter Mac provides quality treatment of supportive care for many types of cancer. sophisticated evaluation of new compounds and support to patients and their families. that we believe will have a significant impact Underpinned by research and the best We are based in East Melbourne, with on patient survival. Peter Mac has a special evidence available, Peter Mac broadly satellite units at Bendigo Radiotherapy role in the Australian landscape to advance influences cancer care in the community Centre, Epworth Eastern Medical Centre at new treatment and evaluate the findings through multidisciplinary partnerships, Box Hill, Moorabbin and Tasttersall’s Cancer of others, to speed their appropriate and research and education. Centre – Epworth Richmond. (see page 40) timely adoption in Australia. (see page 22) values We deliver world-class cancer care to patients Model of Supportive Care We strive for Excellence, ensuring that nationally and internationally, seeing around Peter Mac’s Supportive Care services work clinical practice is evidence based, patient 8,400 new patients each year. In 2007 – 08 hand-in-hand with its world-leading cancer centred and is provided by qualified and we provided 21,913 admitted inpatient treatment services, to create the best holistic experienced staff who are accountable and episodes and 206,492 outpatient occasions cancer service to patients. Supportive care appropriately credentialled. of service. provides services to people living with or affected by cancer to meet their physical, We strive to ensure that Innovation social, emotional, informational, psychological, is fostered by supporting research and spiritual and practical needs during the a learning culture. pre-diagnostic, diagnostic, treatment and follow-up phases of cancer. Adhering to the strongest ethical standards to ensure a culture of openness, mutual respect Our model of supportive care can be applied and trust, Compassion is at our core. in principle to each of these need domains and ensures the timely delivery of services in accordance with the needs of each patient. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Annual Report 2008
Research – Knowledge Commitment to Learning Peter Mac in the Community to Transformation Peter Mac’s commitment to learning attracts Peter Mac is a household name in the In a globalised world it is important to play the best possible recruits who wish to pursue community. Our base may be in East to one’s strengths, and at Peter Mac cancer a career in the field of cancer through Melbourne, but our unique blend research is one of its shining stars. Peter Mac classroom teaching at universities and of treatment and support is available has strengths in performing large-scale postgraduate placements in its advanced at satellite units at Bendigo, Box Hill, studies with specific patient cohorts, such medical science program. Moorabbin and the Epworth (Richmond) as women with ovarian cancer or those who (see page 40), and extends into patients’ have a family history of breast cancer. We also Peter Mac’s reputation as a renowned homes through the successful have a strong focus on use of advanced teaching centre educates medical staff from Peter Mac@Home program, which technologies to enable research that was other institutions. Students come from all over offers professional nursing care to its previously not feasible. the world to learn new treatment protocols patients in their own homes. that have been developed or undertaken for Peter Mac’s laboratory and clinical research the first time in Australia by Peter Mac. Its effort in cancer is the largest in Australia, important findings are regularly published with over 450 dedicated scientists, clinician- in prestigious medical journals, and its experts researchers, research nurses, support staff invited to present their works at international and allied health professionals, integrating scientific meetings. (see page 46) basic, translational and clinical research with patient care in the setting of a specialist cancer hospital – knowledge to transformation. (see page 44) (www.petermac-research.org.au)
who wewe are are 05 5 HIGHLIGHTS 2007 – 08
Peter Mac is a national identity, committed to excellence in cancer research and patient care.
Launch of the Victorian State-of-the-art Centre for Functional integrated digital Genomics (VCFG), the operating theatre, first of its kind in Australia the most advanced (see page 10) laparoscopic equipment available for surgery Translational Oncology (see page 10) Research Collaborative Hub (TORCH) will help First Australian hospital achieve groundbreaking to implement MedNet, results in the fight against a wireless intravenous cancer (see page 10) error reduction software system (see page 10) Actively minimising greenhouse emissions, Melanoma patient Clare our Information Oliver – the powerful Technology Department legacy of one person has reduced the number influencing legislative of servers at Peter Mac change to control the from 52 to just 16 use of sunbeds (see page 56) More rigorous monitoring systems and savings Our Apheresis unit is the strategies for energy only one of its kind in and water use have Australia (see page 11) been put in place under the Going Green @ A total of $13,320,376 Peter Mac banner in generous donations received from our community (see page 50) Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Annual Report 2008
knowledge
clinical findings
informing research informing clinical findings transformation in treatment
transformation
highlights 07 Peter Mac in collaboration with Pfizer Inc established the Translational Oncology Research Collaborative Hub (TORCH), with the aim of achieving groundbreaking research results in the fight against cancer.
Assoc Professor Danny Rischin, Professor Rod Hicks and Assoc Professor Grant McArthur worked with Pfizer Inc to establish TORCH at Peter Mac.
Technology Takes Us to New Heights
Peter Mac and Pfizer Join Victorian Centre for New Digital Operating Theatre Forces for the Future Functional Genomics of Cancer Research In January 2008, a fully integrated digital The Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics operating theatre was installed at Peter Mac Peter Mac in collaboration with Pfizer Inc (VCFG) was launched at Peter Mac in May, – the most advanced laparoscopic equipment established the Translational Oncology 2008, by The Hon Gavin Jennings MLC, available for surgery today. Research Collaborative Hub (TORCH), Minister for Innovation. which was launched in May, 2008. The new operating theatre makes it possible The centre will provide Victorian researchers to increase the number and range of Pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc has with the opportunity to access a key procedures conducted by doctors, with less committed AUS$15 million funding to technology platform, which is the first of its invasive techniques. By using cameras and support medical research and cancer drug kind in Australia. Through the development keyhole surgery, patients experience less development over the next three years. of this platform, our ability to assess the post-operative pain and recover more quickly. The collaboration will integrate three key function of each gene in the human genome This new approach will expand therapeutic activities – molecular imaging, cancer will revolutionise our ability to decipher options for many patients currently excluded genomics and high quality clinical trial the genetic basis of conditions such from surgical treatments. capabilities, which are critical to the future as cancer, cardiovascular disease and of cancer research. It is hoped that the neurological disorders. The theatre has the ability to beam live to ultimate outcome will be new and improved almost anywhere in the world, transforming treatments for cancer patients. Located in the Research Division of Peter Mac, operations into a virtual training environment, within the Microarray Core Facility, the VCFG and enabling Peter Mac’s specialists to teach Peter Mac and Pfizer Australia have had is overseen by a Scientific Advisory Group other surgeons the complicated techniques a long-standing research relationship, consisting of renowned scientists from required for laparoscopic surgery. collaborating on numerous pre-clinical a range of Victorian medical research programs and three phase I clinical trials. institutes. The Victorian Government funded The new digital theatre was funded by The establishment of TORCH will expand the library resource, with matched funding generous donations received from the this relationship to help achieve from Peter Mac, AMATA (Australasian June 2007 Tax Appeal. groundbreaking results in the fight Microarray and Associated Technologies against cancer. Association) and Agilent Technologies. The VCFG is an excellent example of the importance of collaborative support in driving the development of biotechnology in Victoria. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Annual Report 2008
Leader in Safety Technology Apheresis Unit Unique in Australia In December 2007 Peter Mac became the first Australian hospital to implement a wireless The Apheresis Unit is a specialist unit within intravenous error reduction software system. Ambulatory Services, providing apheresis The MedNet implementation was led by procedures to inpatients and outpatients. Nicole Argall, Hospital Clinical Product Advisor The word Apheresis originates from the Greek and Project Officer; Michelle Hong, Clinical language and means ‘to take away from’, Pharmacist and Drug Library Project Officer, referring to procedures that involve the and a multidisciplinary Project Steering removal and separation of blood into its Committee. components for collection and or treatment. The types of procedures that are conducted The MedNet software offers many in the Apheresis Unit include the collection advantages for Peter Mac staff and patients of haemopaietic progenitor cells and in managing intravenous infusions and also photopheresis treatments. minimising drug errors. This wireless software provides an alert if an administration The Unit also contributes to providing rate is programmed outside the limits set supportive blood therapies for patients in Peter Mac’s drug administration protocols, in the ambulatory setting. Apheresis nursing giving clinical staff the opportunity to check staff have specialist skills in patient and donor and change programs prior to commencing, assessment to determine the suitability for significantly reducing the potential risk an apheresis procedure. They provide an to Peter Mac patients associated with integral service to paediatric patients, with intravenous medication therapy errors. the provision of apheresis services to the Royal Children’s Hospital. As a part of the The software also provides reports, allowing Peter Mac Centre for Blood Cell Therapies, monitoring of the utilisation of the software the Apheresis Service holds a code of Good and providing information about how often Manufacturing Practice quality system, staff change or over-ride rate programming. which is audited by the Therapeutic Goods These reports provide Peter Mac with ongoing Administration (TGA) . data about potential adverse medication incidents or areas in which the drug library Patients Treated needs to be altered to meet clinical need. The Apheresis Unit treated 1,641 patients during 2007 – 08, an increase over last year’s The MedNet software will continue to be demand of 1,463 patients, up 12 per cent. monitored and evolve to meet patient and These numbers are reflective of all admissions staff needs, preventing intravenous medication to the Unit. errors and ensuring that Peter Mac is at the leading edge of safety technology.
technology 11 Report from the chair and Chief Executive Officer
Work on a business case for the We have also worked hard during the year to enhance the translational research and establishment of a world-class supportive care dimensions of our model of care, whilst at the same time continuing to comprehensive cancer centre provide high-quality clinical care. In addition, we have delivered positive financial and at Parkville, which would include activity results.
the relocated East Melbourne Peter Mac aspires to leadership in cancer care and research, both nationally and campus of Peter Mac as a key internationally. Our staff and partners assist us greatly in this regard and we are grateful for component, has continued the ongoing support of the Victorian public.
in collaboration with the The Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre Project Department of Human In mid-September 2007, the Premier of Victoria: the Hon John Brumby MP announced Services and our that $5 million would be made available for the preparation of a business case for partners in the the establishment of a world-class comprehensive cancer centre at Parkville. Parkville precinct. The final business case will be submitted to government by the end of 2008, for consideration in the 2009 – 10 State budget.
Since the Premier’s announcement, Peter Mac has worked closely with the other key project stakeholders – Melbourne Health, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and The University of Melbourne. Other stakeholders – such as the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research – are also involved in aspects of this work.
Thus far, the strategic business case and the master plan have been endorsed by the Project Steering Committee. Governance options for the Parkville Precinct have also been identified and detailed feasibility work is underway on the short-listed options and base case.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Mac looks forward to finalisation of Mr Craig Bennett both this business case and the governance Chair, Board of Directors Ms Patricia Faulkner AO Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Annual Report 2008
options as significant steps towards securing We remain keen to confirm the tenure for Research the future of our East Melbourne campus. our Moorabbin Satellite Unit at the Monash A separate research report for the calendar Medical Centre. year 2007 has been published. This report Strategic Directions highlights the tremendous vibrancy of all Peter Mac’s Strategic Plan was reviewed The commissioning of the second linear aspects of research at Peter Mac. Our during the year and will be finalised by the end accelerator at our Bendigo Satellite Unit has researchers continue to be outstandingly of 2008. In addition to his work on the Parkville had a positive effect on local waiting times, successful in competitive grant rounds; they Comprehensive Cancer Centre project, and we have been consulted about the role publish widely and several were honoured Daniel Pilbrow: Director of Strategy and of cancer services in the proposed major in 2007 for their work. Redevelopment, has led an inclusive redevelopment of Bendigo Hospital. and participative review process. During the year, considerable attention was A review of the Tattersall’s Cancer Centre at paid to the structure and governance of Peter Mac strives to work collaboratively with Epworth Hospital (Richmond) by a private research at Peter Mac and to the related other cancer institutes and cancer-related interstate radiation oncology service has infrastructure funding pressures. Because organisations, as well as with individual sharply brought into focus what needs to be Peter Mac is classified and funded as a public researchers. We value our close relationships done to ensure the ongoing financial viability hospital (and not as a stand-alone medical with the Cancer and Palliative Care Unit: of this service. Detailed work was undertaken research institute), the grants we win do not Department of Human Services, the during the year to develop niche services, typically provide infrastructure support. This Department of Innovation, Industry and in close conjunction with Epworth Healthcare. has become a pressing issue of financial Regional Development, the Victorian Cancer sustainability for Peter Mac and is the subject Agency, The Cancer Council Victoria, Quit Clinical Services of ongoing internal analysis and dialogue Victoria, the Western and Central Melbourne An echo cardiology service has been with government. Integrated Cancer Service and the other ICS established in conjunction with St Vincent’s to whom we provide cancer services. The Health and a respiratory function service We were pleased to launch a three-year University of Melbourne, Monash University has been established in conjunction with collaborative research agreement with and Cancer Australia, to name but a few. Melbourne Health. Pfizer Inc that has been badged as the Translational Oncology Research Collaborative We have also progressed our links with the A number of projects have been undertaken Hub (TORCH). In addition, the Victorian Centre Malaysian Ministry of Health, beyond our in outpatients, in close conjunction with the for Functional Genomics (VCFG), located existing Memorandum of Understanding. Department of Human Services (DHS). Senior at Peter Mac, was formally launched. clinician involvement in these activities has Satellite Units already produced a number of benefits. Operational Issues Peter Mac’s Satellite Units are an integral part A periodic review undertaken by the Australian of our model of care. We are a hub and spoke A review has been commissioned of the role, Council on Healthcare Standards in November service provider and our referral base, both functions and responsibilities of the clinical 2007 provided us with much positive geographically defined and resulting from our services and the clinical divisions. The feedback, including confirmation that our status as a centre of excellence, is critical to brief for this review