The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre is set to become an "education and training hub" for those caring for cancer patients across the region.
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A new oncology education program worth $300,000 was launched at the centre on Thursday with the education hub targeting health professionals working from the centre as well as home carers.
The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund is investing the money over three years.
The program will offer professional development, training and scholarship opportunities for both staff working in the centre, as well as those caring for patients in the community.
Trust fund board member Bryan Blake said the program was aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided to patients and their families.
"This initiative is about upskilling staff to ensure our patients receive the very best care available," he said.
"It's important that our health professionals stay up-to-date with the latest practices.
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"And it is important to continually enhance their skills in oncology treatment for patients in the area."
Mr Blake said the program is also about offering opportunities to draw health professionals to the region.
"Providing these education and training opportunities is also critical in helping to not only attract health professionals to our region but to also retain them here ongoing."
Representatives from Albury Wodonga Health, Border Medical Oncology Research Unit, Ramsay Health and GenesisCare has been formed to oversee the new program as an education committee.
The committee has conducted a "needs analysis" to determine the training and education priorities for the region's oncology sector.
Among the initial priorities is oncology emergencies and pain management.
The hub is getting straight to work with the first training session held on Thursday night and focused on skin management and an overview of radiotherapy treatment with health professionals from the cancer centre in attendance.
Speakers included oncologist Craig Underhill, AWH cancer services director Robyn Gillis and trust fund chair Michelle Hensel.
A new haematologist has arrived at the centre, Anish Puliyayil, so there will be a focus on haematology education at the education hub.
Mr Blake thanked the community for their ongoing support and said donations ensure these programs continue.
"Without the community's generous donations these education opportunities may not be available to those caring for cancer patients in our community," he said.