Ramsay Newsroom

The collaboration aims to strengthen critical information sharing between patients and clinicians about treatment pathways and special access programs through two dedicated platforms — the RCA Knowledge Base and Medicines Access Portal (MAP). 

The RCA Knowledge Base brings together trusted information on more than 200 rare and less common cancer types giving patients and clinicians a single, reliable source of information. MAP complements this by providing an online portal that enables clinicians and oncology pharmacists to quickly identify compassionate access programs available to cancer patients across Australia.

Dr Brindan Suresh, Group Executive Health and Strategy at Ramsay Health Care, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.

“This collaboration brings together leading expertise across the cancer care pathway to make it easier for patients to access treatment and support,” Dr Suresh said.

“We know that for many people diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, time is critical. By working together, we can help connect patients to the right care sooner and provide greater clarity during what is often an incredibly challenging period.”

GenesisCare’s Chief Operating Officer Matthew Bellairs said the partnership aimed to strengthen RCA’s MAP and Knowledge Base platforms for the benefit of patients:

“GenesisCare’s focus is on delivering personalised, high-quality care and empowering patient choice wherever we can. With this partnership and grant funding we want to see Rare Cancers Australia continue their great work supporting patients with complex needs with MAPs and Knowledge Base.”

RCA’s Chief Executive, Christine Cockburn, said the initiative symbolised hope and progress for patients who often face limited information and fewer treatment pathways.

“For many people living with rare and less common cancers, access to the right information at the right time, in addition to faster, fairer access to treatments, can save or extend their lives,” Ms Cockburn said. 

“This partnership puts the patient at the centre, helping them to navigate the barriers that come with a rare diagnosis and move forward with greater confidence and support throughout the cancer care continuum.” 

The partnership underscores a broader commitment across the sector to improve equity of access and ensure Australians facing rare cancers are not left behind.

Web links: www.rarecancers.org.au/knowledgebase and www.medicinesap.com