Across Australia each day, a dedicated and passionate group of 132 McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide individualised care to people with breast cancer and their families.
These nurses are the face of the McGrath Foundation, which has provided free support to over 70,000 people with cancer and their families since 2005.
One such dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurse is Helen Moore, who specifically supports people with breast cancer and their families across the Hunter region at Calvary Mater Newcastle. Her incredible services are made possible through continued funding support from Greater Charitable Foundation.
The work of Helen and her colleagues was recognised over the weekend as part of International Nurses Day, celebrated annually around the world on 12 May to commemorate the birth of the the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, and the contributions nurses make towards people's health.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide a free service that helps individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support throughout the diagnosis and throughout treatment.
So far this year Helen has seen 184 new patients and made over 1,000 direct patient support contacts across the region, coordinating medical care and accompanying patients to appointments to ensure they can answer questions and reiterate treatment options at what can be an overwhelming time.
Helen has been a registered nurse for almost 30 years and is dedicated to her work and making a difference to the lives of those experiencing a difficult time.
“This year alone, more than 700 people in the Hunter New England and Central Coast region will be diagnosed with breast cancer* and many more will need the support and care of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse ,” said Helen.
“The single most important thing I do for my patients is listen to what they are saying, and not saying. Being diagnosed with cancer is so confronting and then having to navigate the health care system in an emotionally compromised state is something nobody should have to face alone.
“Building relationships is essential in this role and something I really enjoy. It allows me to connect with people on a very personal level through what is invariably the most challenging time of their lives, and ensures they are fully informed and empowered to make decisions about their treatment.
“I am passionate about my work and the difference I am able to make by assisting patients and their families through each stage of their breast cancer experience.”
Greater Charitable Foundation has funded Helen’s position since August 2016, providing almost $400,000 to the McGrath Foundation initiative.
Greater Charitable Foundation CEO, Anne Long, said they were proud to support McGrath Foundation and help provide this important resource for the region.
“Over the past three years, we have seen first-hand the incredible work the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses have undertaken in the region and the positive impacts they have on the lives of those going through breast cancer treatment,” Ms Long said.
Anyone experiencing breast cancer in the Hunter New England region is encouraged to reach out to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Newcastle at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
* McGrath Foundation, Needs Assessment Modelling, 2018