H E A LT H + F I T N E S S
“WE HAPPILY TELL BOTH PATIENTS AND STAFF THAT WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST NURSING ROLES AVAILABLE.” CLAIRE SMITH, KATHY JONES AND TANIA BERNHARDT THE TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL’S BREAST CARE NURSES
The Townsville Hospital (TTH) now has three breast care nurses thanks to the fabulous support of the McGrath Foundation and the Australian Government funding a full-time position for the next three years at TTH. “We support both women and men who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those diagnosed with secondary breast cancer by offering support, education and counselling,” Claire says. “Our role is to provide physical, psychological and emotional support for local families experiencing breast cancer, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.” This support is provided free of charge and can be accessed through self-referral. Most patients diagnosed with breast cancer are diagnosed through the BreastScreen Qld Service. The catchment area for TTH and Health Service BreastScreen Service is 376,499km2 (Victoria is 227,920km2). Patients attending TTH for breast cancer treatment may travel from as far away as Boulia for their care. “We happily tell both patients and staff that we have one of the best nursing roles available,” Kathy says. “Treatment for a breast cancer patient is based on each individual diagnosis and may last up to nine months with the follow-up period being five years, so we often develop long-term friendships with both patients and their families.” The TTH breast care nurses provide supportive care within a multidisciplinary team, including BreastScreen, surgical, medical, radiation oncology, pathology, allied health, Cancer Council Qld and non-government agencies. The nurses attend appointments with patients and their families, which generally commence in the surgical clinics, and act as a liaison point between team members and services. “Some people are concerned when they feel donations made do not stay local, but in our role we actively use resources that have been developed at both a state and national level,” Tania says. “If you’d like to make a difference by donating, please consider the following organisations as they provide support that we access on a weekly basis in our roles.”
THE BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA www.bcna.org.au Provides fantastic resources regarding treatment, practical tips, useful contacts and an online forum. CANCER COUNCIL QUEENSLAND www.cancerqld.org.au Contributes a wide range of resources, subsidised accommodation for patients travelling to Townsville for treatment, counselling and support. MCGRATH FOUNDATION www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au Has supported TTH’s request for additional staffing and funded a breast care nurse position for the next three years (Tania Bernhardt). ZONTA CLUB www.zonta.org.au Makes the comfort cushions and bottle bags patients use in the post-operative recovery period. LOOK GOOD … FEEL BETTER www.lgfb.org.au Provides regular programs for patients receiving chemotherapy. ENCORE PROGRAM www.ywca.com.au Is a gentle exercise program for women following their treatment for breast cancer.
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