Grampians Health stands with science this World Health Day bringing precision cancer care to rural Victoria

This World Health Day (7 April), Grampians Health is standing with science and working together to improve health outcomes for our communities every day.

Celebrating the power of scientific collaboration and research translation, Grampians Health continues to lead the way turning scientific evidence-based research into action and real-world outcomes that make a genuine difference for our patients, closer to home.

Through leading‑edge clinical research and strong partnerships, Grampians Health is translating scientific discovery into real‑world care and bringing innovative, personalised treatments closer to home for patients.

By applying science into action, patients across western Victoria are benefiting from a partnership between Grampians Health and national not-for-profit cancer research organisation Omico, helping transform cancer care across Western Victoria through precision medicine. 

Through Omico’s national PrOSPeCT program, Grampians Health is offering comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), treatment-matching, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials for people with advanced, incurable, or poor-prognosis cancers. These services are provided at no cost to patients, through Omico’s precision oncology program. By analysing the unique genetic makeup of each tumour, patients are being matched with the most effective targeted therapies effectively revolutionising how cancer is treated in regional and rural communities. 

Grampians Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Matthew Hadfield said the partnership is ensuring that location is no longer a barrier to cutting-edge care. 

“Precision medicine is transforming how we treat cancer, and this program is making sure regional Victorians don’t miss out. By working with Omico, we can provide access to world-class, personalised treatments and innovative clinical trials closer to home alleviating patients needing to travel to the city reducing the stress and burden on patients and their families,” said Professor Hadfield. 

Since partnering with Omico in late 2023, Grampians Health has referred more than 100 patients for genomic screening, with dozens already accessing tailored therapies or enrolling in national clinical trials. 

Grampians Health’s collaboration with Omico underscores a shared commitment to ensuring Australians living in regional and rural communities have equitable access to the precision oncology options, and the right treatment at the right time. 

With about 100 clinical trials currently open, Grampians Health is proud to host the largest clinical trials unit in western Victoria.  

This World Health Day, Grampians Health reaffirms its commitment to turning science into action and working together to improve the health and wellbeing for all, today and into the future. 

For more information about research and clinical trials at Grampians Health, please visit www.research.gh.org.au.