- Foundation
- 2 min read
At Monash Health, we are privileged to have the support of five McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across our Moorabbin, Casey and Dandenong Hospitals.
The nurses’ important roles ensure that patients and families facing breast cancer across our local community receive expert and compassionate care when it matters most. They provide clinical, psychosocial, practical, and emotional support.
‘Our role is to support and advocate for patients and families. We are here to be their direct contact for any questions as they progress through treatment, connect them with community services, and really be available to help navigate every step of their journey,’ said Katie Evans, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Monash Health Breast Services.
They support patients in our hospitals from diagnosis through to survivorship and palliative care.
‘We have an open line available to the community and often receive calls like “my mum’s just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She lives in Berwick, what do I do?”’ said Gurpreet Grewal, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Monash Health Breast Services.
‘It is a privilege to be let into someone’s life in such a vulnerable time, and for them to be so open and honest with their worries and fears that sometimes they can’t share with their family members.’
In our catchment area of 1.2 million residents across the south-east of Melbourne, this role also plays a critical role in enhancing care coordination for our growing multicultural community.
Our McGrath Cancer Care Nurses work closely with the Monash Health interpreting team to ensure patients and families feel at ease and are available outside of appointment times to answer questions.
‘Receiving a cancer diagnosis turns your life upside down – when English is not our first language, having a direct connection to support you navigate complex health systems is even more important,’ said Gurpreet.
Caring for around 350 new cancer patients every year – the impact of the care delivered by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses is felt far and wide in our community. With an increasing number of new breast cancer diagnoses, their roles ensure women get equitable access to cancer care.
‘We are so grateful to have their incredible care and expertise as part of the Monash Health team. We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the McGrath Foundation providing exemplary care for women facing challenging breast cancer diagnoses,’ said Dr Corinne Ooi, Head of Monash Health Breast Services.
To learn more about supporting care at Monash Health, please visit: www.monashhealthfoundation.org
