Nurses to offer specialised cancer care

TWO McGrath cancer care nurses have joined Grampians Health to provide specialised support to cancer patients.

Melanie Alford in Ballarat and Leah Adams in Horsham will offer emotional support, education and coordination of care for patients and their families.

They will join an existing McGrath cancer care nurse supporting people experiencing breast cancer.

“At Grampians Health, we are dedicated to enhancing cancer care through the expertise and compassion of our nursing staff,” Ben Kelly, Chief Operating Officer at Grampians Health said.

“The addition of Melanie and Leah to our team allows us to provide more wholesome support to our patients who are going through a difficult phase of their lives.

“This expansion of cancer nursing cover is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support the community and improve cancer care outcomes.”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 34,000 new cancer patients are diagnosed annually in regional Victoria.

“While our cancer care nursing team – spread across our sites in Stawell, Horsham and Ballarat –provide invaluable support to our patients and their families, they are also integral to the oncology care team,” Catherine Heywood, director of ambulatory care and outpatient services at Grampians Health said.

“These nurses are invaluable to the oncologists as they help coordinate care, manage symptoms, and provide critical insights into patient needs and progress.”