Since 2011, the RFDS has employed a dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse supporting people experiencing breast cancer based in Broken Hill, funded by the McGrath Foundation.
With the next-closest specialist breast cancer professional based in Mildura, over 300km from Broken Hill, the McGrath Cancer Care Nurse provides invaluable support to people experiencing breast cancer in far west NSW, helping patients navigate the healthcare system and understand complex medical information.
Beyond one-on-one support, the McGrath Cancer Care Nurse also runs workshops, talks and activities focused on healthy living and managing life after treatment.
With one in seven women in Australia facing a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the presence of a dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse supporting people experiencing breast cancer in the Far West region is a critical connector for many people to access the support they need in the outback.
Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) Chief Medical Officer, Shannon Nott.Since joining the RFDS in 2011 as the first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse supporting people experiencing breast cancer Jo Beven has conducted over 5,000 consults and has flown over 57,000km to visit patients to provide breast care support.
“Early detection is the best chance of survival, but for people living in the country and a long way from health services, achieving this early detection and diagnosis can be especially challenging. Part of my role also involves regular visits to remote communities to educate and empower women of all ages to check their breasts” says Jo.
Chief Medical Officer, Shannon Nott says “This service is part of the broader commitment of RFDSSE to deliver high-quality healthcare in the bush. In addition to the McGrath Cancer Care Nurse based in Broken Hill, the RFDS operates primary care clinics and medical centres across the west and far west NSW, bridging the gap where few or no alternative providers exist.”
The ongoing partnership between the RFDS and the McGrath Foundation represents the value of collaboration in healthcare and our ongoing mission to deliver access to high quality healthcare to those in our remote communities.
