St John of God Foundation

Brogden Bursary helps to provide invaluable hands-on training for Murdoch caregivers

In 2021, a bursary was established for St John of God Murdoch Hospital caregivers, to enable them to further develop their professional skills and enhance the exceptional level of care that is provided to the local community.

The bursary, which was kindly funded by the Brogden family, has since helped five clinical nursing caregivers from the St John of God Murdoch Hospital Cancer Centre to gain invaluable hands-on training.

Bursary recipients Tayla Parsons and Jennifer Mager have had the opportunity to work with specialist cancer nursing teams across St John of God Subiaco and Murdoch hospitals, as well as with teams from external organisations including Breast Care WA and the Cancer Council.

“I am in the process of completing a Master of Clinical Nursing, specialising in advanced practice relative to cancer services,” said Tayla.

“I am using funds from the bursary to aid my professional development through the observation of clinical nurse specialists in a variety of cancer services to gain insight into their role, the care and support they provide to their patients throughout their cancer journey, and to identify key areas for improvement to ensure all aspects of patient health and wellbeing are addressed.”

Tayla also said she hoped the experience she gained through the hands on training would allow her to observe and learn from specialists in the field, and apply their learnings to her own practice and hopefully improve the quality of patient care being delivered.

“I would like to thank the Brogden family for their generous donation,” Tayla said.

Frances Brogden, who sadly passed away in early 2022, was previously treated at St John of God Murdoch Hospital and greatly appreciated the care she received from the Cancer Centre team – perhaps even more so as she was herself a professional working in the Pathology sector.

“My experience of being treated at the St John of God Murdoch Hospital Cancer Centre has been truly amazing and humbling. The team at the Cancer Centre is one of the best I have experienced,” Frances said.

“The team is compassionate, shows empathy and total professionalism to patients and to each other. Everyone from the oncologists to the nurses to the volunteers do not let egos get in the way of them working effectively together.

“They constantly communicate and help each other out for the benefit of the patients and make the Cancer Centre a happy and caring place. There is always a laugh to be heard.”

Frances also said she hoped that the bursary would support caregivers to increase their knowledge and keep up the high standard of care.

“She was a lovely lady,” said recipient Jennifer Mager, who had the pleasure of meeting Frances during her time at the hospital.

The bursary enabled Jennifer to continue her training in a Breast Care Nurse role, and expand her knowledge and experience through practical learning.

“I'm honoured to able to have the chance to increase my knowledge because of Frances and her family.”

Amazing individuals like Frances and the Brogden family are making a difference each and every day. Find out more at www.sjogfoundation.org.au/

What is a bursary?

A bursary is a monetary award (often made by a donor) provided to an individual to enable them to undertake further study