NSW ONCOLOGY GROUP (NSWOG)

Generic Terms of Reference

The Cancer Plan states (Program 1:1) “that NSW Oncology Groups will be developed to review and adopt best practice guidelines, encourage sub-speciality training, implement clinical trials and review State-wide, national and international research”.

The NSW Oncology Group will be developed by clinicians to determine best practice in NSW. The NSW Oncology Group will be comprised of cancer specific groups comprising experts in the cancer field.

Terms of Reference:

1. Aims

The Cancer Institute NSW will facilitate the formation and ongoing operation of NSW oncology groups to promote the following activities:

To advise on standard treatments and the treatment pathways and protocols for site specific cancers.
To encourage an increased participation in clinical trials and other research.
To establish the data requirements for the specific cancer in addition to the minimum data set.
To develop educational programs to encourage sub-specialisation and exchange of knowledge for the specific cancers.
To advise on other issues to promote best practice in the specific types of cancer.

2. Participation

Membership of any NSWOG is open to anyone with an interest in the cancer. Application for membership will be sent to the NSWOG Secretariat. Expressions of Interest for the Committee membership will be reviewed by the Cancer Institute NSW in consultation with the NSWOG Chair.

Meetings are held quarterly and all committee members must attend each meeting either in person or by video/teleconference.

3. Oncology Group

Each NSWOG is to provide expressions of interest for the Committee to consist of at least one representative from each Area Health Service with all oncology health professional disciplines represented and at least 2 consumers or community representatives. Membership is to be reviewed every 24 months. Members are to adhere to the Cancer Institute NSW’s Code of Conduct for Committees and Subcommittees

4. Office Bearers

The NSWOG will elect a Chair, Deputy Chair, by secret ballot for a term of 24 months. The Chair of each NSWOG will be a member of the NSWOG Executive and attend bi-annual meetings of the Executive or elect a committee member to attend on their behalf.

Download a copy of the Generic NSWOG Terms of Reference here.