Since 2018, The HOPE Fund has supported a range of research activities and innovative patient care initiatives within the areas of Hepatobiliary and Upper Gastrointestinal surgery at various Melbourne hospitals.

These include:

o   Contribution to the implementation of an ‘Enhanced Recovery Program’

This program has optimised the treatment journey for surgical cancer resection patients at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. Including extensive pre-operative education and consistent protocolised evidenced based care from a multidisciplinary team. Notable outcomes are fewer post-operative complications and decreased length of stay for patients.

o   Contribution to an Upper Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary surgery database

This significant project tracks surgical outcomes across a number of Victorian hospitals and informs research undertaken by the unit.

o Employment of a Clinical Research Assistant

o Contribution to the employment of a Cancer Nurse Coordinator