News
Mildura McGrath Nurse provides vital support system
Tue, 03 Jun 2014 07:01:00
Mildura has benefited from the service of a dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurse to support local families experiencing breast cancer, thanks to funding from the McGrath Foundation.
McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Louise James, is hosted by Mildura Base Hospital to provide invaluable practical, psychosocial and emotional support to local families experiencing breast cancer.
Louise has been a registered nurse for 29 years, with significant experience in specialist breast care nursing and Oncology.
Janet Furze was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012 and underwent a grueling treatment process for almost two years. She says having the support of Louise was vital.
“Louise was fantastic throughout the whole process. The way she would advocate on my behalf, and help with the little things like booking appointments just made everything so much easier.
When you’re going through chemotherapy you just don’t have energy to deal with these things. That’s where Louise would step in and help me. She became a great support system, someone to talk to and lean on,” said Janet.
Janet says that Louise’s strength lies in her approachability and caring nature.
“Louise’s sense of humor is so great. On days when I would have chemotherapy, we would take our own morning tea in and just have a chat together. She would make us all laugh, and it would make those difficult days seem lighter,” said Janet.
Louise says she’s delighted to be part of the Mildura community providing dedicated support to women experiencing breast cancer, and their families.
“I feel really privileged to be working as a McGrath Breast Care Nurse and providing support throughout my patient’s breast cancer experience. It’s a time of intense vulnerability and uncertainty so I’m always glad to be there supporting them along the way. The patients I work with on a daily basis are the reason I’m in the role. A key focus is the provision of relevant resources, support and practical assistance. I work to reduce variations in care and to assist in the coordination of their care through advocacy and networking,” said Louise.
Families in the Mildura community can self-refer to this free service by contacting Louise on 0418892920 or 50223333 or email jamesl@ramsayhealth.com.au
There are McGrath Breast Care Nurses located in areas as far reaching as Hervey Bay (QLD), Geraldton (WA), Armidale (NSW), Warrnambool (VIC) and Port Lincoln (SA). It costs about $380,000 to place a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in the community for a three year period.
To make a donation to the McGrath Foundation, please visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.