In 2008-09 SMICS undertook a consultation project to map current supportive care services and to

develop supportive care priorities for across southern Melbourne’s cancer services. Seven interrelated

priorities were agreed:

1. increasing the profile of supportive care

2. improving access to a skilled supportive care workshop

3. screening for supportive care needs

4. patient communication and access to information

5. access to emotional support, counselling, psychology and mental health services

6. access to palliative care resource