A MCGRATH Foundation Breast Cancer Nurse will be based at Lismore Community Health Centre under an expansion of the McGrath Foundation program funded by the Federal Government.
Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the breast care nurse would take up the position in the first half of 2014.
Mr Hogan said the nurse would support an estimated 350 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Page electorate over the next four years.
“The nurse will act as a patient advocate and coordinate care not only for women with breast cancer, but also for their families and carers,” Mr Hogan said.
“The nurse will work to ensure the physical, psychological and emotional needs of those affected by breast cancer are met.”
“I welcome Health Minister Peter Dutton’s announcement that one of these specialist nurses will be based in Page.”
The Australian Government will provide funding for an additional 13 nurses over the next four years on top of the 44 existing Commonwealth-funded positions across Australia.
The McGrath Foundation funds another 42 BCN positions.
“These nurses have already supported around 14,000 Australian families affected by breast cancer and over the next four years will assist a similar number,” Mr Hogan said.
“Unfortunately breast cancer afflicts thousands of Australian women every year.
“I praise the McGrath Foundation for its work and I’m glad as a government we can support their efforts.”
The McGrath Foundation was established by Glenn McGrath and his late wife Jane after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 202. Jane McGrath died from the disease in June 2008.
