NSW Government commits $18M to fund more McGrath Breast Care Nurses

More than two dozen new McGrath Breast Care Nurses will begin work across NSW, with the state government committing more than $18M in funding.

At 39-years-old Tina Doran became one of the 57 Australians who are sadly diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

In the days following her diagnosis, she worried about whether she would make it to her two sons’ 21st birthdays or watch them walk down the aisle. She was worried about her treatment, and how sick she may get.

But when she met Melinda Aslin and Melissa Grady, she remembers feeling a sense of relief.

Ms Doran was connected with Ms Aslin and Ms Grady, two McGrath Breast Care nurses at Blacktown Hospital, to help her and her husband navigate the way forward.

McGrath Breast Care Nurse Melinda Aslin (left) and Melissa Grady (rught) with breast cancer patient Tina Doran. Picture: Damian Shaw

“When people are diagnosed with cancer, it’s like the rest of the world, even your family and friends, they don’t know how to deal with it,” she said.

“So having a Breast Care Nurse is a huge support – and for me the best thing they do is just put a smile on your face, or make you laugh.”

More women and men like Ms Doran will have greater access to the same support, with the NSW Government today committing $18.6 million dollars over four years to fund 29 new McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

Eight of the 29 nurses, including Ms Grady, have already commenced their new positions at Concord, St George, Taree, Blacktown, Gosford, Fairfield and Wollongong Hospitals.

The new roles will be established across the state, at hospitals with the Sydney Local Health District (LHD), South Eastern Sydney LHD, Hunter New England LHD, Western NSW LHD, Central Coast LHD, Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD and South Western Sydney LHD.

McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide free care, support and are a key point of contact for patients during their treatment. They become a trusted, consistent, and knowledgeable point of contact, and explain complicated aspects of treatment to patients, during what can be an incredibly stressful period.

Ms Doran with her McGrath Breast Care Nurses. Picture: Damian Shaw

Ms Aslin and Ms Grady work out of Blacktown Hospital, and said they were “honoured” to be part of Ms Doran’s life during treatment.

“Tina has let us into her life and her heart,” Ms Aslin said.

“We’ve gotten to know her really well and we feel so privileged that she’s allowed us to help her and her family through this.

Ms Grady said her favourite part of the job was seeing both women and men realise their strength while undergoing tough treatments.

“I don’t think they realise how strong they are until they start fighting through it,” she said.

“I’m in all of them every day and that’s what keeps me coming back.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said the nurses were an “incredible source of support” for patients like Ms Doran.

“They do wonders to minimise the stress and trauma which comes with a breast cancer diagnosis,” he said.

“One in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and this investment will ensure more people across our state have access to this incredibly important service.”