San stays top of cancer patient rankings

Sydney Adventist Hospital's commitment to whole-person care for cancer patients is continuing to reap rewards.

The Integrated Cancer Centre at New South Wales' largest private hospital has topped the state's annual outpatient cancer clinics survey for the sixth year in a row.

In the 2023 report by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) and Cancer Institute NSW, the centre achieved 12 measures being significantly higher than the state average – the highest of any facility in the survey.

"This is fantastic and humbling feedback from our patients," said Professor Gavin Marx, Clinical Director of the Integrated Cancer Service at the hospital, also known as the San.

"Earning the top state ranking consistently year after year is a clear demonstration of our entire team's unwavering dedication to providing the best possible care for those undergoing cancer treatment." he added.

"It's a privilege to collaborate with such an exceptional team whose primary focus and driving force is to enhance the quality of care for our patients."

Patients' experience of outpatient cancer care throughout NSW is independently surveyed annually – this year it involved 8,280 patients from 43 facilities, public and private.

Patients were asked to evaluate multiple aspects including access to services, care planning, facilities, coordination of care, complications, follow-up and support.

The San's Integrated Cancer Centre (ICC) operates in partnership with Icon Cancer Centre Wahroonga, which offers radiation therapy treatment for all cancer types. 

Icon's Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology, Dr Andrew Fong, said the results of the BHI report confirmed "we're on the right track".

"The multidisciplinary team approach to cancer treatment – all in the one location – offers convenience for patients, and a concentration of expert clinicians and first-rate facilities," Dr Fong said.

"It is a privilege to care for our patients and their families impacted by cancer. And it's good to know that the measures we take every day to improve the lives of those we care for is making a positive difference – despite a very difficult time in their lives."

San CEO Brett Goods said the success of the cancer centre's "superb team" typified the hospital's approach to providing whole-person healthcare.

"Receiving this recognition for the hospital's cancer services just spurs us on to deliver even better outcomes for our patients and their families," he said.

"Alongside the ICC, our cancer support services – as well as research – all contribute towards efforts to treat disease and promote survivorship and wellbeing for our community."

Prof Marx said the centre team was determined to keep improving patients' experience during their care.

"While it is great to know patients experience excellent cancer services here, we won't rest on these results – each year we continue to look for ways that we can improve our services," he said.

Read more: Double distinction for San's quality of care

Read more: Global recognition for San's cancer services

Next Industry Talk:
31/10/2023 Nominate 'an amazing nurse or midwife'

Previous Industry Talk:
18/10/2023 Health insurers 'restrict patient care options'