Frankston and Mornington Peninsula residents living with liver disease or cancer can now access a full suite of specialist services without leaving the region, thanks to a major expansion at Peninsula Health.
The public health service has introduced a dedicated liver cancer program and expanded its liver clinics, with two additional weekly sessions now in place. It marks a turning point in specialist healthcare access for the region, where liver-related illness is increasingly common yet often underdiagnosed.
Associate Professor Marcus Robertson, who heads Gastroenterology at Peninsula Health, said the new service allows patients to receive the same level of care available at major metropolitan hospitals — but closer to home.
“For the first time, we’re now able to offer every form of liver cancer treatment right here at Peninsula Health,” A/Prof Robertson said.
“That includes coordinated care across surgery, oncology, interventional radiology, and liver medicine.”
Two specialist nurses have also joined the team, helping patients navigate what can be a complex and confronting diagnosis. The new clinics are designed to provide tailored treatment pathways for people with a range of liver conditions, from viral hepatitis to advanced liver cancer.
The shift couldn’t come at a more critical time. While liver cancer is among the fastest-growing causes of cancer death in Australia, broader liver disease is also on the rise — largely due to alcohol use and a surge in steatotic liver disease (formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
“Steatotic liver disease now affects up to half the adult population,” A/Prof Robertson said.
“But it’s often silent until it’s advanced. That’s why early detection and access to specialised care is essential.”
He also urged general practitioners across the Peninsula and beyond to refer patients with suspected liver issues to the local clinics.
“GPs are really key in this,” he said.
“We want them to know they don’t have to send patients to the city anymore. We can offer that care right here.”
The service expansion has been made possible through internal collaboration across Peninsula Health, with particular support from surgical, oncology and radiology teams.
“This kind of growth only happens when you’ve got the full support of your colleagues,” A/Prof Robertson said.
“We’ve been incredibly lucky in that regard.”
Peninsula Health operates public hospitals and community health services throughout the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region. Liver clinics are held weekly, with referrals accepted through the standard outpatient system.
