Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) will transition to a publicly operated cancer inpatient and day oncology model at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) on the 1 July 2026.
The AWRCC, opened in 2016, has been operated under a public-private partnership with Ramsay Health Care (RHC), which currently delivers inpatient and day oncology services to public and private patients. AWH acknowledges and thanks RHC for its contribution to cancer services in the region.
AWH will begin transition planning in collaboration with Ramsay Health Care to support continuity of care for patients and minimise disruption for staff and service partners. Ramsay Health Care will continue delivering services during the transition period. The transition aligns with AWH’s Strengthening Cancer Services Plan and aims to ensure continued access to cancer care for the local community.
Dr. John Elcock, Chief Medical Officer at AWH, said “Our partnership with Ramsay Health Care has been instrumental in providing localised cancer care to our community. As we transition to a publicly operated service, we remain committed to working with our excellent local medical specialists and cancer care providers to maintain the highest standards of care and research while continuing to support our patients with the best possible treatment options.”
AWH is working with the Department of Health, Safer Care Victoria, and other relevant partners to ensure the transition is safe, coordinated and consistent with current standards of care.
Minister of Health, Mary-Anne Thomas said, “This transition marks an important step in strengthening cancer care for the Albury Wodonga community – ensuring services are publicly operated, accessible and sustainable for the future”
AWH acknowledges the long-standing support of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund and the role it plays in supporting local cancer services.
Chief Executive Officer of AWH, Bill Appleby, said “Our goal is to continue the provision of high-quality cancer services for the community into the future. “We want our community to feel confident that they will continue to receive safe, high-quality cancer care throughout the transition, and beyond,” Mr Appleby said.
Further updates will be provided as the transition progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) taking over cancer services at the AWRCC?
Following a comprehensive external review, AWH has made a strategic decision to transition the border’s cancer inpatient and day oncology services to a publicly operated model in order to continue to provide equity, accessibility, and quality of care for the regional community.
When will this change take place?
The transition will occur at the end of the current agreement with Ramsay Health Care, which concludes on 30 June 2026. AWH will assume full operational responsibility from 1 July 2026.
We will keep our community informed via our website, social media, and direct communication with patients throughout the transition period. Key updates will be shared regularly.
Will my cancer care change?
No immediate changes will occur. Ramsay Health Care will continue to provide care until 30 June 2026.
AWH is committed to ensuring a smooth handover and maintaining continuity of care by working constructively and in partnership with Ramsay Health Care.
Will the Cancer Centre close during the transition?
No. The AWRCC will remain open and fully operational. All efforts will be made to ensure there are no disruptions to patient care.
Why is AWH changing the model?
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Victoria and Australia, accounting for one in every three deaths. Regional Victorians are 10 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those living in major cities, and 15 per cent more likely to die. Patients with cancer living in regional and rural Victoria are further disadvantaged by experiencing lower five-year survival rates than those living in metropolitan areas – 69 per cent compared to 73 per cent, respectively. This transition supports the delivery of a Public Model of Care, which has been identified, through an independent review, as the most appropriate model to ensure safe, patient-centred care while delivering the best value for the public health system.
The publicly operated model is designed to improve access to safe, high-quality cancer care closer to home, making it easier for patients to receive treatment without having to travel long distances. This will ensure more regional patients can access the care they need in a timely manner.
How do we know AWH is capable of handling cancer services on its own?
AWH has demonstrated its ability to lead and manage large-scale healthcare services and has been working closely with leading healthcare organisations, including the VCCC Alliance, and Hume RICS to ensure it adopts best practices and amplifies our ability to address the disparities in cancer outcomes experienced by regional Victorians. Transitioning will be resourced and monitored by a joint executive / clinician lead Steering Committee.
How will the new model enhance the patient experience?
The new care delivery model focuses on delivering a coordinated and seamless experience for all patients regardless of their means.
The new publicly operated model will also support the workforce by defining clearer roles, strengthening clinical governance, and promoting a culture of accountability. This will help ensure that staff are empowered and equipped to provide the best possible care, while also fostering a positive and effective working environment.
How will this impact on the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund?
The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund was established by the Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation to raise money for cancer services in our region. Its mission is to raise funds to support cancer services in the Albury Wodonga region to provide quality care to patients and families. It is important to emphasise that this relationship remains unchanged; and AWH will continue to enjoy a very positive and collaborative relationship with this independent fundraising organisation.
How will the new model strengthen partnerships with other healthcare providers?
One of the key goals of the model is to strengthen partnerships between AWH, community providers, referring doctors, and service partners. By fostering closer collaboration, the model aims to create a more integrated network of care that improves the quality and continuity of cancer treatment.
AWH is working closely with the Department of Health, the VCCC Alliance, Hume RICS and other regional and state partners to ensure best-practice models are adopted in service planning, workforce support, and ICT integration.
How does the new model ensure value for money for taxpayers?
The Public Model of Care is designed to reduce duplication and make the most efficient use of public resources. By streamlining processes and improving coordination, the model ensures that taxpayer funds are used in the most effective way possible, delivering high-quality cancer care services.
What happens to the staff currently delivering services at AWRCC?
We value the experience and commitment of the AWRCC workforce. Our intention is to work with Ramsay Health Care to support continuity for the highly valued, and skilled staff who are affected by this change.
Albury Wodonga Health staff will continue in their roles delivering cancer services to our community.
Where can I find more information?
We will keep the community informed via www.awh.org.au/cancerservicesupdate.